Ola Solbakken was able to hand Roma an important 1-0 victory over Verona as they move to third in Serie A. The hosts were without a number of key players in Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini but managed to secure a slender win.
Tammy Abraham was even forced off early on after suffering an injury which made Solbakken’s goal in his first Serie A start for the club all the more vital. The visitors fought back in the second half but the Giallorossi defended sternly to help return to winning ways.
So, here’s our Roma player ratings for their 1-0 home victory over Verona as their bid for Champions League football next season strengthens.
Roma: (3-4-2-1)
Rui Patricio – 6.5
Wasn’t forced into many saves but made a couple of high claims from set-pieces to eliminate any potential danger. Comfortable evening for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man.
Gianluca Mancini – 6.5
A little sloppy in possession but managed to defend well here. Looked solid in the air too.
Chris Smalling – 7
Booked in the first half for a sliding challenge and was a little rash in the tackle but was excellent dealing with balls into the box and won his aerial duels.
Roger Ibanez – 7.5
Never troubled defensively and made a couple of fine tackles. Involved in Andrea Belotti’s chance late on which could have found Roma’s second.
Rick Karsdorp – 5
First appearance since early November and wasn’t at his best at all at right wing-back for Roma. Subbed off midway through the second half for Zeki Celik.
Bryan Cristante – 8
Put in a true midfielder general performance here and won a number of challenges in the midfield. Helped progress the ball forward too amd won his duels.
Edoardo Bove – 6.5
The 20-year-old is starting to see more game time under Jose Mourinho and put in a solid display. Was dispossessed a couple of times but battled well.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 7.5
Showed a couple of nice touches down the left flank in the first half and asked some questions of the Verona defense. Managed to provide the assist for Solbakken’s opener.
Ola Solbakken – 7
Made his first start for Roma since joining from Bodø/Glimt and picked the ball up in some nice positions. Struggled a little in the final third until he managed to find the back of the net in added time of the first half with a delightful finish into the bottom right corner.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 6.5
Looked sharp to start the match and threatened with his pace through the central areas of the pitch for the hosts.
Tammy Abraham – N/A
Subbed off early on in the first half due to a facial injury.
Substitutions
Andrea Belotti – 5.5
Put himself about when he came on but failed to add much quality up top.