Roma recorded a 2-0 victory over Empoli at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening after a fantastic start saw them go two goals to the good after just six minutes thanks to goals from Roger Ibanez and Tammy Abraham.
Paulo Dybala was excellent from set-pieces and he managed to record two assists for both Ibanez and Abraham as the Giallorossi got back to winnings ways with a comfortable victory over Paolo Zanetti’s men.
Ibanez and Abraham Strike Fast
Ibanez gave Roma the perfect start to the match as he headed the ball home from a corner inside the opening two minutes. The defender leapt wonderfully in the box, finishing off a whipped corner from Dybala.
It wasn’t long before the Giallorossi doubled their lead and once again Dybala was able to provide the assist from a corner. This time it was Abraham who got on the scoresheet, turning the ball home from close range to punish Empoli’s zonal defending.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure as the first half progressed and Roma were a huge threat with their crossing ability in the first quarter of the match. Empoli continued to struggle aerially and Abraham also narrowly missed with a header which could have made it three.
A Small Empoli Fight Back
The visitors managed to settle in the game and made a few half chances but none that really threatened the Roma goal. However, a dangerous ball whipped in by Razvan Marin gave Tyronne Ebuehi a brilliant opportunity to reduce the deficit for the Azzurri but the defender missed the target from just a couple of yards towards the end of the half. Empoli certainly grew into the match and were close to finding a goal before the break.
Guglielmo Vicario had to make a fine double save to begin the second half. Firstly, he denied Gianluca Mancini low down to his right before stopping Abraham on the rebound. The 26-year-old displayed some superb goalkeeping to keep Empoli in the match.
The away side tried to find a way back into the game as the second half progressed but ultimately, they failed to really test ‘keeper Rui Patricio and Roma defended solidly for the most part. A well-deserved three points for the Giallorossi as they now climb into third.
What’s Next for Roma and Empoli?
Roma face Lecce away from home, whilst Empoli play host to Spezia next Saturday, February 11.
MATCH SCORECARD
February 4, 2023 – Serie A 2022-23 Round 21
ROMA – EMPOLI 2-0
SCORERS: 2′ Ibanez, 6′ Abraham
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ROMA (3-4-2-1): Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Zalewski, Matic, Cristante, El Shaarawy (84′ Celik); Dybala (70′ Bove), Pellegrini; Abraham Coach: Mourinho |
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EMPOLI (4-3-1-2): Vicario; Ebuehi (83′ Stojanovic), De Winter, Luperto, Parisi; Akpa Akpro, Marin, Bandinelli (83′ Pjaca); Baldanzi; Satriano (62′ Cambiaghi), Caputo (62′ Piccoli) Coach: Zanetti |
REFEREE: Mr. Dionisi from L’Aquila
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Zalewski, Bove (R), Henderson (E) Added Time: 1st Half 3′, 2nd Half 4′