Roma recorded a 1-0 victory over Juventus on Sunday evening as a Gianluca Mancini wonder strike secured an important three points in Serie A action.
The Stadio Olimpico was bouncing as they got to witness their side pick up a crucial victory in their hunt for a top four finish and return to Champions League football.
Rabiot Almost Opens the Scoring
Jose Mourinho was allowed on the touchline despite being sent to the stands last Tuesday in Roma’s 2-1 defeat away to Cremonese. He would be on his best behaviour at the Olimpico on Sunday night, keeping his cool down near the action.
It was a slow start to the match from either side with very few chances. Dusan Vlahovic tested Rui Patricio early on but it was a comfortable save for the Portuguese ‘keeper. Paulo Dybala hit back midway through the first half with a decent shot from range but Wojciech Szczesny was at hand to parry the strike away from goal.
The visitors started to pile on the pressure towards the end of the first half and Adrien Rabiot was extremely close to finding the back of the net but he was denied by the post. Patricio looked as though he may have got the slightest of touches to help it onto the woodwork.
Mancini Strike Stuns Juve
The Giallorossi took a surprise lead just ten minutes into the second half when Mancini struck the ball home with an excellent shot from outside the box. Bryan Cristante found the defender with a pass before it sat up perfectly as he arrowed the ball past a helpless Szczesny. The hosts would take the lead and then went in search for a second.
The visitors struggled a little after the opener and Roma started to find their rhythm. However, Juan Cuadrado almost made it 1-1 when his free kick deflected off the post. Fortunately for Patricio, it would hit the outside of the woodwork.
Roma also came close with around 15 minutes to go as they sought to find a two-goal advantage. Lorenzo Pellegrini’s deep ball found Chris Smalling at the back post but Szczesny was able to meet it.
Bianconeri Push but Kean Sees Red
Angel Di Maria attempted an ambitious attempt from some range with just over ten minutes to go but Patricio was at hand to make a fairly comfortable stop. The ball would strike the Roma woodwork once more after a corner almost led to a Mancini own goal but the post would be their savior again.
Moise Kean would lose his cool late on after he was shockingly dismissed after less than a minute on the pitch. The forward lashed out after a challenge by Mancini and referee Fabio Maresca had no choice but to send him off. Danilo would have one final attempt to find an equalizer but Patricio would hold well to wrap up a massive victory for the Giallorossi.
MATCH SCORECARD
March 5, 2023 – Serie A 2022-23 Round 25
ROMA – JUVENTUS 1-0
SCORERS: 54′ Mancini (R)
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ROMA (3-4-2-1): Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Zalewski, Cristante, Matic, Spinazzola; Pellegrini (86′ Belotti), Wijnaldum (73′ Bove); Dybala (73′ Abraham) Coach: Mourinho |
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JUVENTUS (3-5-2): Szczesny; Danilo, Bremer, Alex Sandro (46′ Bonucci); Cuadrado (89′ Kean), Fagioli (59′ Chiesa), Locatelli (77′ Paredes), Rabiot, Kostic (77′ Pogba); Di Maria, Vlahovic Coach: Allegri |
REFEREE: Mr. Maresca from Naples
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Matic, Cristante, Spinazzola (R); Locatelli, Kostic (J); Red Cards: Kean (J) Added Time: 1st Half 1′, 2nd Half 7′