A hat trick by the reminiscent Edin Dzeko and a remarkable rabona strike from Diego Perotti was enough for Roma to win the group and get in the knockout stage of the Europa League.
But let’s be honest. Take out the “Van Basten” effort and the rabona kick, Roma looked a bit sloppy and wasteful against an average team, especially with Mo Salah missing again several chances in front of the keeper. Did not convince the spirit the players approached the game, allowing Plzen nearly to get another equalizer near the end before Roma secured victory. Iturbe was given another chance from the start, but it’s just not working out. Peres is the shadow of the player we were expecting on the right flank. Strootman still far away from form. Good news came from Rudiger and Palmieri back from injury.
A different mention deserves Edin Dzeko. Another solid performance, working hard as a “trequartista”, creating passes and playing for his teammates. and of course, scoring a hat- trick. The first goal was just amazing, a reminder of what marco Van Basten used to do at Milan. Edin was named in the top 11 of the Europa League, well derserved.
The “Atalanta syndrome” is not behind yet, as for next Sunday evening we have Pescara next, a team that we should not underestimate, they play decent football although the results are not coming for them. Moreover, an army of former Roma players are in that team; Aquilani, Gyomber, Caprari, Verre, Pettinari, Crescenzi, Pigliacelli, and even Simone Pepe. Too many times we were punished by ex players. so must be vigilant.
No distractions. Ride on! Daje!
Stefano Sale @ AS Roma Eire – Roma Club Dublin
