In Igor Tudor’s first match in charge, Verona showed substantial improvement, downing Jose Mourinho and Roma 3-2.
Just days after Eusebio Di Francesco’s termination, Verona sensationally secured its first points of the season. The club put on an attacking show, scoring three times in the second half, while largely neutralizing Tammy Abraham and Eldor Shomurodov.
Tudor’s first lineup of the season was similar to Di Francesco’s preferred formation. The one surprising change that the new manager made was adding central midfielder Daniel Bessa over Martin Hongla.
Looking to extend its winning streak, Roma again ran out Jose Mourinho’s famed 4-2-3-1. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was the only notable absence, and 19-year-old Riccardo Calafiori earned his first start of the season at left-back.
IL VERONA IN CAMPO COSÌ! ???#VeronaRoma #SerieATIM #DaiVerona pic.twitter.com/8YezXLnQzg
— Hellas Verona FC (@HellasVeronaFC) September 19, 2021
Verona started the match well, finding ample space in the attacking third. Darko Lazovic created the first chance on the left wing, taking a shot from a tight angle inside the box that forced a save from Rui Patricio.
Then, Giovanni Simeone sparked another opportunity for the Gialloblu. Receiving the ball at the top of the box, the striker made a sharp turn and fired a shot just wide of Roma’s goal.
In the opening minutes, Roma seemed content to play Route One football, booting long balls down the pitch for random counter attacks. Their opponents played more deliberately, building play in the midfield and looking to exploit space by switching the field.
A failed clearance by Rick Karsdorp gave Verona another chance to score. Lazovic won the ball and broke out towards goal, creating a three-on-two in favor of the hosts. The midfielder had options, but he chose to take an ill-advised shot, drawing the ire of his teammates.
As a downpour of rain began in Veneto, Roma scored the first goal of the match. A low cross from Karsdorp took a deflection, and Lorenzo Pellegrini completed a dramatic, between-the-legs volley to give the Romans the lead.
Despite conceding at the end of the first half, Verona returned to the pitch with vigor. After a stint of possession, Gianluca Caprari split the defense, his deflected shot catching goalkeeper Rui Patricio by surprise. The ball bounced to the feet of Antonin Barak, and the striker brought the match level from close-range.
???
Here’s the side for today’s game at the Bentegodi! ?
#ASRoma #VeronaRoma pic.twitter.com/lkZMLh5BoA— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) September 19, 2021
Moments later, Pellegrini nearly brought Roma back in front. The forward was released on a breakaway, but Koray Gunter made a dramatic slide tackle to dispossess the captain.
Then, Verona truly broke the match open on another brilliant play by Caprari. Despite facing down two Roma defenders, the forward made a sharp cut inside the box, giving himself space. He shot the ball low into the far corner of the net, giving the Gialloblu the lead 15 minutes removed from halftime.
However, the home side’s advantage was short-lived. Pellegrini attempted to play a cross into Abraham, but Verona’s Ivan Ilic struck the ball first, sending it directly into the net for an own goal.
Verona did not give up, dramatically scoring the game winner. Davide Faraoni received a bouncing pass outside the box and struck it with his laces. His shot flew past oncoming defenders and deflected crossbar-down into the goal, bringing the score to 3-2.
Tudor brought on several defensive substitutes, confirming the result. In fine form, Verona will now look for a second win at Salernitana, while Roma will take on Udinese.