Talisman Paulo Dybala rescued three points for Roma as they picked up a 2-1 victory at home to Spezia. Spezia were able to take a surprise lead here as Dimitrios Nikolaou headed in the opener after just six minutes of play. Roma started to push in search of an equalizer and finally managed to do so late on in the first half thanks to a fine goal from Nicola Zalewski.
The second half was filled with fantastic late drama with plenty still to play for towards the season’s results. Roma would ensure that they will play Europa League football next season as Dybala scored a penalty with just two minutes left of regulation time to play. The results means Spezia will have to play in a relegation play-off as their battle for survival continues. So, here’s our Roma ratings as they defeated Spezia 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma: (4-2-3-1)
Mile Svilar – 5.5
Made an important clearance from a ball in from the left deep into injury time but had little else to do throughout.
Zeki Celik – 6
Supported the offense well in the first half down the right flank. Replaced at half time for Diego Llorente.
Chris Smalling – 7
Calm and collected as ever in the middle of the Roma defense. Misplaced just one pass all evening.
Gianluca Mancini – 6
Spezia looked strong down his side of the pitch on the counter in the second half but he did fairly well in his duels at points.
Nicola Zalewski – 7.5
Found the equalizer as his wonderful cross managed to beat every man in the box as well as Spezia ‘keeper Jeroen Zoet. Effective with his crossing.
Edoardo Bove – 6.5
Made some good runs into the box in the first half and looked energetic. Replaced midway through the second period for the more experienced Nemanja Matic.
Bryan Cristante – 7
Little rash but a made a couple of important challenges after the break.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 6
Lacked a bit of quality which summed up what has been an underwhelming season for the 26-year-old.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 7.5
Provided a threat in the in the Roma offense throughout and struck the bar with a good effort from the edge of the box in the opening period. Won the penalty with a good run into the box too. Fruitful display.
Andrea Belotti – 4
A frustrating season comes to an end without a Serie A goal to his name. Struggled once again here and couldn’t impact the game before being benched for Tammy Abraham.
Paulo Dybala – 7
Showed flashes of his quality and came close with a sweet strike midway through the second half but missed the target. Came alive in the second half and rescued Europa League football next term by slotting home the late penalty. Roma’s hero saved the day here.
Substitutions
Diego Llorente – 6.5
Composed in possession and had an interesting battle at times with M’Bala Nzola.
Tammy Abraham – N/A
Linked-up well with Dybala after he came on but was forced off with a horrible looking injury less than 15 minutes after being introduced. A tough campaign for the Englishman.
Nemanja Matic – 6
Added a bit of quality after he came on and his experience showed for the Giallorossi.