Georginio Wijnaldum scored and won a penalty for Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening as they wrapped up a comfortable 3-0 win over relegation-bound Sampdoria. Jeison Murillo’s sending off ultimately made the difference as the Giallorossi found their opener just minutes after the defender was dismissed. Paulo Dybala doubled the lead late on from the spot, before Stephan El Shaaraway added a third late on in injury time.
Roma Change It Up
Jose Mourinho was forced to change to a four-man defense in light of the huge array of absentees due to suspension. Diego Llorente would partner Chris Smalling in the centre of the backline, with Gianluca Mancini, Roger Ibanez and Marash Kumbulla all unavailable. Bryan Cristante and Rick Karsdorp were also out of action for the match. Sampdoria would suffer their fair share of selection issues before the match too, also being without a number of regulars at the back.
After a fairly quiet start to the match from both sides, Sampdoria had a decent opportunity to find the opener when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box midway through the first half. However, Rui Patricio was at hand to make a decent stop from Manolo Gabbiadini.
Ravaglia Thwarts Giallorossi
Roma responded and started to go on the offensive. Goalkeeper Nicola Ravaglia turned the ball round the post following a header from Llorente and the corners started to build up, with the hosts amping up the pressure. Georginio Wijnaldum followed up with an effort after a Nemanja Matic pass found him inside the box. He would be denied by the post as the Giallorossi appeared to be getting closer and closer to taking the lead.
In a busy first 45 for the Blucerchiati ‘keeper, he was then forced into making a double save just before the break. Nicola Zalewski tested the goal with a well-hit strike from range before Lorenzo Pellegrini fired on the rebound. Nevertheless, Ravaglia was able to keep the scores level at the half.
Murillo Red, Sampdoria Down
It would be an uphill battle for the majority of the second half for the visitors after referee Massimiliano Irrati sent off Jeison Murillo for a second bookable offence. The defender had made a clumsy challenge on Tammy Abraham and Sampdoria’s issues at the back worsened, already being without the likes of Koray Gunter and Bram Nuytinck from the off.
It didn’t take long after the dismissal before Roma managed to take the lead through Wijnaldum, with Matic finding him with a cross from the left. The Dutchman headed the ball into the ground before it hit the back of the net, finally managing to beat Ravaglia.
Giallorossi Finish in Style
Roma were able to control the match late on and Wijnaldum was able to win his side a penalty with just a couple of minutes left of the match when Ravaglia brought him down. Dybala converted the penalty with a composed finish. El Shaarawy then scored late on to add a third to top off the win and put Roma back into the top four.