Spezia vs Roma 0-1: Abraham Seals Victory for Giallorossi

A late penalty from Tammy Abraham saw Roma defeat Spezia at the Alberto Picco today. The Giallorossi were the more dominant side and were attacking constantly. However, they were unable to make the most out of several scoring opportunities. Spezia had a chance or two to score but they were mostly on the backfoot throughout the course of the match. 

Nonetheless, Jose Mourinho will be pleased with his team’s result after being unable to win the past three league fixtures.  

Starting XIs: Mkhitaryan and Mancini Back, Spezia Make Four Changes

Both sides made four changes to their respective lineups. Gianluca Mancini was back for Roma and he partnered Chris Smalling and Marash Kumbulla in the heart of the defense. In midfield, Nicola Zalewski started and so did Jordan Veretout. Henrikh Mkhitaryan also returned to the lineup.

Spezia also made four changes from their defeat in Bologna last weekend.

Spezia Reduced to Ten Men

Roma started well and had a very good chance to open the scoring in the first few minutes. Veretout’s corner found Mancini who headed towards goal. However, Ivan Provedel made a fine save to deny him. Spezia were forced to make an early change after Jacopo Sala suffered a injury. He was replaced by Giulio Maggiore.

The Giallorossi continued to put pressure on the Spezia backline with the likes of Abraham and Lorenzo Pellegrini taking shots at goal. However, neither were able to find the net. The hosts were eventually reduced to ten men just before the interval after Kevin Amian was sent off due to a second yellow card.

Abraham Last-Gasp Penalty Wins It for Roma

Roma had a very good chance to take the lead early in the second half when Pellegrini crossed to Abraham. However, the former Chelsea striker’s header was wide. Just minutes later, Bryan Cristante hit the woodwork with shot. Roma continued to put pressure on the Spezia defense as Pellegrini attempted a shot on goal only for it to reach Provedel.

Spezia had a chance to take the lead during the 57th minute through M’Bala Nzola. However, Rui Patricio was there to deny him. It was the first time during the match that the Portuguese was challenged. 

Roma continued to attack with intensity and the Spezia backline did fairly well to deny them. Nicolo Zaniolo had a chance to score for the visitors but Provedel made a brilliant save. Pellegrini was having a fine game and he often looked to find the net, especially in the 87th minute when Roma won the free-kick. However, the captain’s shot was just wide.

It looked like Roma would suffer another winless result but they won a late penalty in the dying moments of the match. Up stepped Abraham and he found the net to seal three points for the Giallorossi. 

While Mourinho will be happy with the three points, he wil not be too pleased with the number of chances his team missed. Roma will have to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to play European football next season.

The Giallorossi are currently sixth in the Serie A table with 44 points, six behind the top four. Spezia are 16th in the standings, four points above the relegation zone.

What’s Next for Spezia and Roma

Both teams have tough fixtures in the following weekend with Spezia traveling to Turin next weekend for their match against Juventus. Roma host Atalanta who have gone five straight league matches without a win.

Spezia will no doubt have it tough against a Juventus side who have arguably the most lethal striker in Serie A lately in Dusan Vlahovic. Roma will not have it easy either given Atalanta’s attacking quality. 

 

MATCH SCORECARD

February 27, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 27
SPEZIA – ROMA 0-1

SCORER:  99′ Abraham pen.