Roma overhauled a halftime deficit to beat newly-promoted Venezia 2-1 in Saturday’s dramatic Serie A showdown at the Stadio Olimpico. New manager Ivan Juric made a crucial tactical change at the start of the second half to inspire his side’s comeback.
Joel Pohjanpalo handed Eusebio Di Francesco’s team a 1-0 lead on the stroke of halftime. However, Roma fought back late to take three points as Bryan Cristante and second-half substitute Nicolo Pisilli scored beyond the 75th minute to turn the game on its head.
Roma players looked a bit tired in the first half. That was hardly surprising following an exhausting 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. Juric recognized the need for a change as he switched from his favorite 3-5-2 set-up to a 4-2-3-1 in the second half.
It proved a game-changing moment for Roma as they seemed far more threatening in the second half and eventually posted their second consecutive league win under the Croatian manager.
“We definitely improved in the second half,” the Roma boss said after the game, as reported by VoceGiallorossa. “We were fresher than them. Let’s not forget that we played on Thursday, and it’s understandable that some players were a bit tired.
“We went to four at the back in the second half and we did well. Those who came in gave us a big hand. Some were under par, but it was understandable after Thursday’s match.“
Back-to-back Serie A victories under Juric have helped Roma climb to the upper half of the table following a four-match winless start under former coach Daniele De Rossi.
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