Roma pulled off a 4-0 statement win over last season’s Swiss Super League runners-up Servette to maintain their flawless Europa League start. Following a 2-1 opening day triumph at Sheriff Tiraspol, Jose Mourinho’s team took another step toward knockout stage progression.
An underwhelming Serie A start has brought Mourinho under scrutiny. Though a 2-0 home triumph over Frosinone last weekend alleviated some of that pressure, the Roma boss remains on thin ice. Therefore, taking three points at the Stadio Olimpico was imperative for Giallorossi.
Luckily for Mourinho, Roma delivered an inspiring performance. Romelu Lukaku continued his formidable form with a first-half opener to initiate a spectacle in the capital. Andrea Belotti doubled the hosts’ lead seconds into the second half before Lorenzo Pellegrini sent the Olimpico drow into a dreamland.
Belotti scored his second of the night on the cusp of the hour mark to cap off a scintillating victory. With back-to-back wins at the start of the new Europa League campaign, Mourinho’s men sit atop Group G alongside Slavia Prague.
It was a perfect rehearsal for Roma ahead of their must-win Serie A trip to newly-promoted Cagliari on Sunday.
Let’s look at our player ratings.
Roma (3-5-2)
Mile Svilar – 6
With Roma dominating the game from top to bottom, the Serbian goalkeeper didn’t have much to do tonight. He had no problems saving Servette’s only attempt on target.
Evan Ndicka – 6.5
After several underwhelming showings, the former Eintracht Frankfurt man seems to be picking up steam. His on-the-ball skills can improve, but at least he won virtually every aerial duel.
Bryan Cristante – 7.5
It was another day in the office for Mourinho’s utility man. In addition to showing his readiness to get his hands dirty, he helped Roma build from the back with his composure on the ball and top-notch passing. A brilliant display!
Gianluca Mancini – 6.5
The Italian center-back forged a formidable defensive partnership with Cristante, slamming the door shut in front of Svilar’s goal. His tackles were spotless this evening.
Zeki Celik – 7.5
There’s not much you can expect from a full-back. The Turkish star picked out Lukaku for the opening goal before setting Belotti on a platter for Roma’s third. He put on his best performance of 2023/24 by a mile.
Edoardo Bove – 7
Another confidence-building showing from the youngster! The 21-year-old was impressive on both ends of the pitch. His passing is getting better with each game passing.
Leandro Paredes – 7.5
The Argentine struggled to impact proceedings against Genoa and Frosinone but showed why he won the World Cup last winter. He was in the thick of every attacking movement Roma attempted tonight.
Houssem Aouar – 6.5
There was a reason Mourinho decided to leave him in the locker room at halftime. The highly-rated playmaker looks to be struggling with match fitness.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 6.5
With Roma preferring the right-hand side in attack, the versatile forward wasn’t as influential as Celik. However, he put a shift in on both ends of the field.
Romelu Lukaku – 7.5
He’s already become the most essential part of Mourinho’s set-up. The Belgian superstar cannot stop scoring, which could be a season-defining factor for Roma.
Andrea Belotti – 8
Following a relatively quiet first half, the ex-Torino captain took matters into his own hands after the break, putting the game to bed with a sensational 14-minute sequence.
Substitutes
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 7.5
His return to form has coincided with Gallarossi’s first back-to-back wins of the season. The captain pulled all the strings in the front third since coming on and grabbed another goal to put the icing on the cake. Hopefully, his injury isn’t serious.
Riccardo Pagano – 6.5
Kudos to Mourinho for letting the 18-year-old get a taste of European action. The teenager didn’t disappoint.
Rick Karsdorp – 6
There was nothing he could’ve done to outperform Celik. But he at least made a decent effort.
Nicola Zalewski – 6
Roma had already settled the game before his introduction. All he had to do was help his side close things out without an unnecessary headache.
Francesco D’Alessio – N/A
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