Roma registered their fifth league win of the season by beating Empoli 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. Goals from captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and Henrikh Mkhitaryan saw Jose Mourinho’s side salvage three crucial points at home.
Empoli however, had their moments in the game but lacked the end product. With this victory, the Giallorossi maintain their 100% win record at home this season.
Despite the defeat, Empoli certainly that they have a very good chance of staying in the Serie A this season.
? Ecco la formazione scelta da José Mourinho per #RomaEmpoli ?
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) October 3, 2021
? DAJE ROMA DAJE! ?#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/A8xbVfvJrv
Mourinho made a number of changes from his side’s 3-0 win in the Conference League with Chris Smalling being the only defender who started on Thursday. In midfield, Jordan Veretout replaced Bryan Cristante while Nicolo Zaniolo and Henrikh Mkhitaryan started on the wings.
Tammy Abraham was the centre-forward in the XI with Eldor Shomurodov on the bench.
Empoli boss Aurelio Andreazzoli made only one change in the lineup from their win over Genoa with Filippo Bandinelli replacing Nedim Bajrami.
#RomaEmpoli – La nostra formazione
— Empoli Fc Official (@EmpoliCalcio) October 3, 2021
EMPOLI: Vicario; Marchizza, Romagnoli, Henderson, Di Francesco, Bandinelli, Zurkowski, Ricci, Stojanovic, Viti, Pinamonti
A disposizione: Ujkani; Stulac, Mancuso, Cutrone, Bajrami, La Mantia, Fiamozzi, Asllani, Tonelli, Haas, Luperto, Parisi pic.twitter.com/vQ2upgl6qB
At some point during the first half, Empoli seemed to create more opportunities than Roma. However, they were unable to find the target.
The Giallorossi opened the scoring in the 42nd minute thanks to their skipper Pellegrini who had signed a contract extension just a few days back. The 25-year-old now has seven goals and two assists in ten appearances across all competitions.
Fine primo tempo.
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) October 3, 2021
L’ha sbloccata Pellegrini! ?#RomaEmpoli | #ASRoma pic.twitter.com/pbo6x1hKCR
Roma had a very good start to the second half with Abraham’s shot hitting the crossbar but Mkhitartayan finding the net from the rebound.
The Giallorossi were looking to extend their lead further but the opposition defence managed to keep them at bay.
Empoli were dominated in possession but they had a few chances of their own. However, the Roma backline was good enough to hold on to the lead.
With the win, Mourinho’s side are now fourth in the Serie A table with 15 points so far. Roma’s next fixture comes after the international break as they face Juventus at home. Despite the Bianconeri not being very convincing, they are more than capable of taking on the Giallorossi.
MATCH SCORECARD
October 3, 2021 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 7
ROMA – EMPOLI 2-0
SCORERS: 43′ Pellegrini, 47′ Mkhitaryan
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ROMA (4-2-3-1): Rui Patricio, Karsdorp, Mancini, Smalling (90′ Ibanez), Vina (84′ Calafiori), Darboe (64′ Cristante), Veretout, Zaniolo (84′ El Shaarawy), Pellegrini, Mkhitaryan (90′ Zalewski), Abraham (Fuzato, Villar, Carles Perez, Shomurodov, Borja Mayoral, Kumbulla, Diawara) Coach: Mourinho |
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EMPOLI (4-2-3-1): Vicario, Stojanovic, Romagnoli, Viti, Marchizza, Henderson (70′ Stulac), Ricci, Zurkowski (46′ Bajrami), Bandinelli (46′ Haas) Di Francesco (70′ Cutrone), Pinamonti (29′ Mancuso) (Ujkani, La Mantia, Fiamozzi, Asllani, Tonelli, Luperto, Parisi) Coach: Andreazzoli |
REFEREE: Mr. Ayroldi from Molfetta
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Mancini, Zaniolo (R), Ricci, Haas, Stojanovic (E); Added Time: 1st Half 1′, 2nd Half 3′