Francesco Balzani
December 12, 2024 (change at 9.32pm) – ROMA
The Ranieri treatment continues to give results without showing side effects. In one evening the coach found European success, the rebirth of Lorenzo Pellegrini and the first goal by an Arab player in Italy. But more than anything he brought Roma out of the crisis so much so that the final 3-0 was a close call (24 total shots). The Giallorossi team, after Lecce, also dominates Braga and climbs back into the Europa League maxi group, now seeing qualification for the play offs one step away. Orphan of Paredes (feverful) Ranieri changed five men compared to the match against Lecce, moving Pisilli back and putting Pellegrini back alongside Soulé and Dybala in a light attack but with high technical potential. Choices that paid off.
THE REBIRTH of Rome
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The game is unlocked by the most awaited man, the captain left on the bench for three games with the aim of removing pressure and regaining serenity. Perfect strategy. In the 11th minute it was Pellegrini himself who was found free in the center by Zalewski and who guessed the corner for the roar of the Olimpico and a celebration that had been missing since May 12th. Less than five minutes later the number 7 could have doubled the lead but heads the crossbar from Mancini’s cross. Roma took control of the match and came close to doubling their lead twice: first with a curling shot from Soulé (27′) and two minutes later with another shot from Pellegrini deflected at the last gasp by Oliveira. In the 40th minute Lorenzo tries again: attempt from outside the area and providential save by Matheus which is repeated ten seconds later on Ndicka’s close range header. In short, the result could have been much greater at the end of a first half with only yellow and red hues.
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THE RECOVERY of Rome-Braga
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In the second half Ranieri inserted Dovbyk for Dybala, but the script did not change. Roma attacked harmoniously, dominated in all sectors and immediately found the second goal with Saud Abdulhamid, the first Arab player to score for an Italian club. The winger takes advantage of a sumptuous play by Koné and swells the net just under the Curva Sud and then receives the embrace of all his teammates. Braga fails to react so Roma tries again in the 59th minute with Soulé who sees Matheus’ double intervention deny him the joy of his first goal at the Olimpico. The Brazilian goalkeeper repeats himself with a kidney intervention on Hummels’ header, then is pardoned by Pisilli who sends a shot high after a sombrero. After many miracles, however, Matheus chooses the boldest option by leaving the area to further slow down Saud. The touch of the hand, albeit involuntary, costs the red card with Braga left with 10 men and risks conceding a hat trick several times before catching him in the last attack with Hermoso who takes advantage of Hornicek’s not irresistible deflection.
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