Roma had to come from behind twice at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday evening as they drew 2-2 against Salernitana in Serie A action. Stephan El Shaarawy got the first equalizer of the night when he cancelled out Antonio Candreva’s superb opener before Boulaye Dia retook the lead just minutes later. However, Nemanja Matic was able to rescue a point for the Giallorossi with less than ten minutes to go as he turned the ball home from close range.
Candreva Hands Salernitana Lead
It was a tentative start to the match for both sides with neither team able to create much. Roma began the affair without a number of their key players as their selection woes resumed.
However, Candreva shocked the Olimpico just after ten minutes of play had passed as he put the visitors ahead. Lassana Coulibaly launched a magnificent ball forward from deep as he found the 36-year-old who had made a superb run in behind the Roma defense. Candreva finished the direct move off with a wonderfully taken finish on the volley past a helpless Rui Patricio.
The hosts struggled to create much here but Edoardo Bove was able to set up El Shaarawy around the half hour mark. The 20-year-old drove down the right flank before finding his Italian teammate but El Shaarawy couldn’t get his shot on target.
It was hardly the most entertaining affair in Rome on Monday evening but Roger Ibanez thought he managed to level the scores just before the break. Salernitana failed to deal with an El Shaarawy corner before the Brazilian defender was able to turn the ball home from close range but the goal would be disallowed upon a VAR review for handball in the build-up.
Roma Equalize But Dia Fights Back
Jose Mourinho made a number of changes at the break in an attempt to change the complexity of the game. Diego Llorente, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matic were introduced.
It didn’t take long for the Giallorossi to draw the scores level as El Shaarawy was able to score from a rebound. Pellegrini would make an instant impact since it was his free kick that led to the goal.
The visitors hit back soon after as Dia restored Salernitana’s lead with his 16th goal of the season. Candreva was influential once more as he played a deliciously clipped ball into the path of Krzysztof Piatek. There was a bit of fortune in Piatek’s pass as it deflected off of Chris Smalling but Dia converted from close range with a classy piece of skill.
Matic Draws Giallorossi Level Once More
The second half was certainly a lot more open as Roma tried to get back into the match. That allowed space for Salernitana to hit on the counter.
Substitute Matic smashed home Roma’s second equalizer of the match, though, as they were able to capitalize on yet another set-piece. The visitors were unable to deal with Pellegrini’s corner before the ball fell perfectly to Matic who rifled home.
Emotions spilled over late on as the referee brandished a number of cards, including to the Granata head coach Paulo Sousa who was sent off. Nevertheless, the game would end in a tie as Roma and Salernitana shared the points.