Roma stuttered at the beginning of their third consecutive UEFA Europa League campaign, throwing away a halftime lead in a 1-1 home draw against Athletic Bilbao. In a game of few scoring chances at the Stadio Olimpico, the Giallorossi paid the price for Ivan Juric’s overly conservative approach after his team went 1-0 up.
Indeed, Roma dominated in the first half and rightfully took the lead in the 32nd minute through Artem Dovbyk. The Ukrainian striker headed home an inch-perfect cross from Angelino on the back post to fire the Italian powerhouse to a slender halftime cushion.
However, Juric resorted to his old bag of tricks in the second half. Seemingly content with a narrow advantage, the former Torino manager relinquished his attacking ambitions after the break. A cautious approach returned to haunt Roma late in the game.
Unai Nunez met an inviting set-piece delivery on the far post, heading the ball back into the mix, where Aitor Paredes won an aerial duel against Bryan Cristante to draw Athletic Bilbao level in the 85th minute. Roma had a half-chance to grab a late win.
However, Mario Hermoso couldn’t beat Julen Agirrezabala from a corner despite being left unmarked around the penalty spot. He couldn’t generate enough power, as the Spanish goalkeeper almost effortlessly fended off his free header.
Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.
Roma (3-5-2)
Mile Svilar – 6.5
With Bilbao producing just two shots on target, he didn’t have much to do in terms of saves. However, he was decent in set-piece situations up until that 85th minute.
Gianluca Mancini – 6.5
Though the Italian center-back enjoyed a near-flawless game, he was late to help Cristante for the Spaniards’ equalizer.
Evan Ndicka – 7
Unlike his defensive colleague, the Ivorian didn’t put his foot wrong tonight, coping well with Inaki Williams and his brother Nico, who joined the fray in the second half.
Mario Hermoso – 6.5
Despite wasting a decent chance to open his Roma account, the ex-Atletico Madrid center-back held up his end of the bargain at the back, showing some no-nonsense defending, especially in the second half.
Angelino – 7
While he can still improve his defensive skills, the diminutive wingback looked threatening going forward and made an assist for Roma’s only goal tonight.
Tommaso Baldanzi – 6
His lack of presence in the center of the field clipped Roma’s wings after the opening goal as he failed to click into gear following a decent performance against Udinese.
Bryan Cristante – 6.5
It’s a shame Paredes got the better of him to level the score. Otherwise, it was a spotless showing from the defensive-minded midfielder.
Manu Kone – 6.5
A bit reckless at times, the Borussia Monchengladbach loanee has to work on his composure. Nearly gave away a penalty but got away with a free-kick on the edge of the box.
Zeki Celik – 6
While awful in the front third, the Turkish fullback fared well in defense before running out of steam midway through the second half.
Paulo Dybala – 6
Barring several moments of pure class, the illustrious forward had a quiet game by his standards.
Artem Dovbyk – 7
After a relatively slow start to life at Roma, the former Girona center-forward is on fire, scoring in a third successive appearance in all competitions.
Substitutes
Matias Soule – 5
Saud Abdulhamid – 6.5
Niccolo Pisilli – 5.5
Eldor Shomurodov – 6
Leandro Paredes – 5.5
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