Roma saw their Champions League hopes for next season take another hit as they dropped points away to Monza in a 1-1 draw in Serie A on Wednesday night. Raffaele Palladino’s side continued in their fine run of form with a good display in Lombardy as Luca Caldirola drew the scores level after a Stephan El Shaarawy opener.
Exciting Opening in Monza
It was almost the perfect start to the affair for the hosts as they nearly capitalized on an error at the back by Zeki Celik. Rui Patricio had to be switched on from the off to make a decent stop at his near post to deny Dany Mota. Monza posed questions in the opening phases, with Gianluca Caprari troubling an injury-ravaged Roma defense.
Michele Di Gregorio had to make an important stop to keep out what was the visitors’ best chance of the match a little after ten minutes had passed. The Giallorossi threatened from a Lorenzo Pellegrini free kick from the left but Bryan Cristante’s header couldn’t get past the ‘keeper.
Roma grew into the match after the nervy start and took the lead midway through the opening period. A calamitous error by Di Gregorio gifted El Shaarawy the ball inside Monza’s box which allowed the away side the perfect opportunity to open the scoring. Pablo Mari would initially deny El Shaarawy but he would make no mistake on the rebound to make it 1-0.
Roma Unable To Maintain Lead
It was an exciting game here in Monza and Mota came close to finding an equalizer when he struck with a well-driven effort but he narrowly missed the target. Pellegrini posed the biggest threat from set-pieces but it was Nicolo Rovella who supplied a beautiful delivery for Caldirola at the back post as the hosts found the leveller.
Palladino’s men would come out with intent after the restart and almost took the lead following some superb passing play. Matteo Pessina found the marauding Carlos Augusto down the left flank who then fired a shot across goal. Patricio got down low to make the stop, however, as he watched the ball whistle past the post.
The game did settle after that, with the Biancorossi controlling possession but failing to do much with it. Mourinho would introduce Leonardo Spinazzola and Mady Camara around the hour mark in attempt to change the game but to little effect.
Delayed Drama But Points Shared
The rest of the affair stayed pretty quiet until injury time where it looked as though we could have been in for late drama, known all too well for Roma. Di Gregorio would pull out another save to deny Roger Ibanez after a cross by substitute Benjamin Tahirovic, whilst the hosts could even have won in the final moments through Augusto but Patrico would ensure Roma went home with a point. Celik would also see red late on, receiving his second yellow of the match after a clumsy foul on Pessina.
Monza will certainly take the point as their unbeaten run in Serie A is extended to four matches. The Biancorossi continue to impress this term. The draw is more problematic for Roma since they have now slipped to seventh and have now failed to win in any of their last three in the league. Injuries continue to be an issue and Champions League football next season now appears more distant.