Chris Smalling showed what great buy he’s been so far. Scored, nearly scored again, provided the assist for another goal, impeccable defending. Roma now need to close a deal for a permanent move as soon as possible. The price tag is on the increase as time goes by.
On the pitch, Roma started kind of sloppy, quite normal after the international break, yet the fans were expecting a reaction after defeat at Parma. Brescia looked composed in defense, hard to break, the kind of games you need to break the deadlock or might get tricky.
At the end it worked out fine, with a sound second half with some good goals and others disallowed by the VAR for a few inches. Beside Smalling, Mancini had a good game back in defense but even better upfront, scoring from a nice volley.
Good to see Dzeko back on the scoresheet, and Zaniolo as sharp as ever. Needless to mention, the return by Florenzi, he looked fresh and regenerated, hopefully he put an end to the recent rumours. With Cengiz and Pellegrini, who also had a good game, back in the frame at last.
Spinazzola, Mkhytarian and Pastore are also due back for the next match, meaning Fonseca is now missing only Kalinic and Zappacosta, long term inujries, who we probably never going to see again in a Roma shirt. Pity, especially for Zap, very unlucky indeed. Roma will need to operate again in the January transfer market, a reliable full back and Dzeko’s alter ego.
But for the moment our thoughts are in Istanbul. After the referee shambles, Roma will now need to get the result on Thursday against Erdogan’s team, the military fanfare and the hostile environment. Nearly 1000 Roma fans will travel to Turkey. A round of applause to them. In Fonseca we trust. Forza Roma!