Roma secured a narrow 1-0 win over Verona at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening in a cagey affair without their star men Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
The hosts struggled up top throughout the match but Ola Solbakken gave the Giallorossi all three points with a fine finish towards the end of the first half. Tammy Abraham was forced off after just 15 minutes of play due to suffering a facial injury, leaving the Roma frontline thin.
A Slow Start at the Olimpico
The Giallorossi entered the game fresh off a defeat away to Salzburg in first leg of Europa League clash, also having recorded just one victory in their last five games in all competitions. A win was crucial for Jose Mourinho’s side.
A scrimmage in and around the box ended in a delay early on, with players on both teams down on the deck receiving treatment. Abraham, however, had suffered a game-ending head injury due to a cut on his face after an unfortunate clash with teammate Gianluca Mancini. Andrea Belotti would be introduced in his place, adding to Roma’s injury issues.
Neither side was able to create much for the majority of the first half. However, Leonardo Spinazzola did force goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo into making a save after his effort took a deflection.
Solbakken Puts Giallorossi Ahead
Roma came to life as the first half came to its conclusion and Solbakken was able to put the Giallorossi in front just before the break with a fine left-footed finish into the far right corner. The hosts had worked the ball well in and around the box before Spinazzola found the Norwegian who then executed an incisive finish.
Stephan El Shaarawy also looked threatening for Mourinho’s men after the first forty five and threatened with his speed, streaming through the middle of the pitch for Roma. He would force a save by Montipo and the Roma lead would be held to a one-goal margin at the half.
Roma Hold On
It was a laboured second half by the home side as they struggled to take control of the match. Verona looked to try and find an equaliser but still failed to trouble ‘keeper Rui Patricio for the most part, despite starting to impose themselves on the match more. Substitute Jayden Braaf created some danger but the chances were limited for the visitors.
Roma displayed some solid defending at the back and they were even close to finding a second late on through a header by Belotti but Montipo was there to make the save.
What’s Next for Roma and Verona?
Roma host Salzburg in the return leg of their Europa League matchup on Thursday, February 23, whilst Verona welcome Fiorentina to the Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on Monday, February 27.
MATCH SCORECARD
February 19, 2023 – Serie A 2022-23 Round 23
ROMA – VERONA 1-0
SCORERS: 45′ Solbakken
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ROMA (3-4-2-1): Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp (70′ Celik), Bove, Cristante, Spinazzola; Solbakken (70′ Zalewski), El Shaarawy; Abraham (15′ Belotti) Coach: Mourinho |
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VERONA (3-4-2-1): Montipo; Magnani, Hien (46′ Coppola), Dawidowicz; Depaoli, Tameze, Duda, Doig (84′ Abildgaard); Ngonge (76′ Kallon), Lazovic (59′ Braaf); Gaich (59′ Lasagna) Coach: Zaffaroni |
REFEREE: Mr. Sozza from Milan
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Mourinho (not on pitch), Smalling (R), Hien, Ngonge (V) Added Time: 1st Half 5′, 2nd Half 4′