Roma kept their Top four hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Sampdoria at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris today. A first-half goal from Henrikh Mkhitaryan was enough to seal the deal for the visitors. However, Sampdoria did put in a spirited effort but could not get the end-product. In the end, Jose Mourinho will be more relieved than pleased with the victory.
Starting XIs: Roma Unchanged, Sampdoria Make One Change
Sampdoria made just one change from their victory over Venezia with Tomas Rincon coming in for Albin Ekdal. Roma made no change from their victory over Lazio.Samp
Mkhitaryan Puts Roma Ahead
Roma’s first good chance of the match came when Roger Ibanez tried to head in from a corner. However, his header was over the bar. Sampdoria did not shy away from attacking and Francesco Caputo took a shot on goal. However, Rui Patricio managed to save it.
Roma eventually opened the scoring thanks to Mkhitaryan in the 37th minute. Wingback Nicola Zalewski delivered a pass towards Tammy Abraham but he could not get a proper touch on it. However, the ball went towards Mkhitaryan who found the net.
The Giallorossi had a chance to double their lead through Abraham but he could not cash in on the opportunity.
Roma Hold On to Their Lead
Sampdoria made one change during the interval as they brought on the experienced Fabio Quagliarella in place of Stefano Sensi. Marco Giampaolo’s side showed a lot of attacking intent as Sabiri took a shot on goal but was unable to find the target. Roma did not back down and they had a few chances of their own but could not make them count.
Sampdoria tried hard in pursuit of an equalizer but the Giallorossi backline was compact enough to deny them. It was three crucial points for Roma and they remain fifth in the Serie A table. Sampdoria are still 16th in the standings and a few points above the relegation.
Mourinho will be pleased with the win but Roma could have cashed in on their chances and the same goes for their opponents. Sampdoria need to be a lot more clinical if they are to widen the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
What’s Next for Sampdoria and Roma
Sampdoria travel to Bologna next weekend. It will be a tough match for Giampaolo’s side and one they will try to get something out of. Roma travel to Norway on Thursday for the first leg of their Conference League Quarter Final tie against Bodo/Glimt. The Giallorossi were thrashed 1-6 by them in the group stages so they certainly will not take them lightly.
MATCH SCORECARD
April 3, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 31
SAMPDORIA – ROMA 0-1
SCORER: 27′ Mkhitaryan
 |
SAMPDORIA (4-1-3-2): Audero; Bereszynski, Ferrari (91′ Yoshida), Colley, Murru (60′ Augello); Rincon (60′ Ronaldo Vieira); Candreva, Sensi (46′ Quagliarella), Thorsby (73′ Trimboli); Sabiri, Caputo (Ravaglia, Falcone, Supryaha, Askildsen, Magnani, Di Stefano) Coach: Giampaolo |
 |
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Cristante, Oliveira (93′ Bove), Zalewski (81′ Vina); Mkhitaryan, Pellegrini (94′ Kumbulla); Abraham (81′ Shomurodov) (Boer, Fuzato, Maitland-Niles, El Shaarawy, Diawara, Perez, Afena-Gyan); Coach: Mourinho |
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Ibanez (R), Bereszynski (S), Oliveira (R), Sabiri (S), Pellegrini (R); Added Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 4′