Roma have finally awoken from their slumber after recording their first victory since December 16, with a rejuvenated Radja Nainggolan and Cengiz Under catching the eye in a 1-0 Serie A win at Verona.
Tactical tinkering helped their cause – but it wasn’t all perfect for the 10-man Giallorossi. Below are our three takeaways …
UNDER COMES ALIVE
Roma desperately needed a spark to reboot their season – and they got one in Verona after 45 seconds.
Cengiz Under has been a little slow off the mark since his arrival from Istanbul Baseksehir in the summer, but his quick feet and laser of a left foot vindicated Eusebio Di Francesco’s decision to start the Turkey international almost instantly. His deft header a few minutes later also nearly set up Edin Dzeko, who should have buried a hatful.
Given Roma have looked bereft of ideas for the best part of two months it’s time to stick with the young buck for a while – even when Diego Perotti returns from injury.
Turkish delight: Cengiz Under scores his first goal in Roma colours.
NEW FORMATION INSPIRES NAINGGOLAN
Di Francesco has been set in his ways since taking over from Luciano Spalletti in the summer but finally decided to mix it up on Sunday. Gone was his 4-3-3 and in its place a 4-2-3-1, which allowed Radja Nainggolan to show off his full range of abilities just behind Dzeko.
Simply put, the area between midfield and attack was his dominion, particularly in the first half. Serie A’s hardly known for its skin-tight pressing but when the Belgian is in the area, an opponent needs eyes in the back of his head.
Though he’s 30 in May, he has the attributes would be tailor-made for the Premier League. He’s reaffirmed his love for Roma recently after going off the rails – but words only go so far…
YET ANOTHER MELTDOWN
But let’s not kid ourselves – Verona are a dire outfit and, with Benevento finding a sliver of form, are now a good bet for the worst team in Serie A. And though you can debate the merits of Lorenzo Pellegrini’s red card until the mucche come home, it was a rash challenge from behind that would have cost Roma big time against slightly more talented opposition.
Though Roma never came under pressure, a opportunity to score more than once in a game passed them by yet again. In fact, they have not struck twice in a game since December 1 and even that was a routine 3-1 win over a lowly SPAL. They are still in the race for Champions League football, amazingly – but better days need to be in their future.
It wouldn't be an afternoon without an absolute meltdown. Pellegrini with a another moment of stupidity.
— John Solano (@Solano_56) February 4, 2018
