Roma have one more than a foot in the group stage of the newborn European Conference League. The Giallorossi defeated Trabzonspor 1-2 on the road and just need to finish the job at the Stadio Olimpico in a week. They looked in control for most of the game, besides for a few minutes after conceding the equalizer. Eldor Shomurodov decided the contest late.
José Mourinho arrayed his man with his typical 4-2-3-1 formation. With Tammy Abraham not yet cleared to play, the Uzbek spearheaded the frontline. He was supported by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and the returning Nicolò Zaniolo. Matias Vina debuted as well.
The game opened up after intermission after a quiet first half with limited chances. Roma found the opening goal at the 55th minute. Zaniolo ripped off a bursting run through the middle on a fast-break and served Mkhitaryan on the left wing, who perfectly set up Pellegrini in the six-yard box. The midfielder nudged it home with a flying deflection.
Trabzonspor mustered a quick reaction and scored less than ten minutes later. Bruno Peres broke free on the right flank and found Andreas Cornelius with a quality cross. The former Parma striker bested Gianluca Mancini in the air and headed it home. The Turkish side had a pair of opportunities on giveaways, but Anthony Nwakaeme did not finish properly from good position twice.
The Italian defender redeemed himself on the opposite box with ten minutes to go. On a corner kick, he successfully tracked the ball and hit the post with a header. Shomurodov was at the right place at the right team to tap it home with a volley. Roma successfully defended the precious lead down the stretch.