GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Claudio Ranieri's return to the Roma dugout got off to a winning start after goals from Stephan El Shaarawy and Patrik Schick gave them a 2-1 victory over Empoli on Monday night.
The win - their first in the month of March - sees them keep the pressure on the top four, with just three points separating them from Inter in the race for Champions League qualification. Roma were down to the bones for the game, with several high-profile absences through injury and suspension. Nonetheless, they gritted their teeth and held strong to see out the three points. It wasn't all that pretty, but it was never going to be with so many players unavailable. Here, Giallorossi Yorkshire analyses which three players stood out most, and the three that struggled in the game. Stars Stephan El Shaarawy Opening the scoring with a superb strike from outside the box, El Shaarawy was a positive outlet for his side. His confidence seems to be growing week upon week, and a symbolic moment came when he was handed the captain's armband for the first time following Alessandro Florenzi's red card. It symbolised the senior position that El Shaarawy has now assumed, and he led by example, trying to manage the game by keeping hold of the ball for as long as possible. He also adapted well when he moved to a more central striking position, allowing him to link up well with the energetic Patrik Schick. Steven Nzonzi The French midfielder hasn't always shown what he's capable of this season, but he definitely found a rhythm against Empoli. He made several interceptions to disrupt opposition attacks and was confident in possession. Nzonzi was the controlling force Roma needed at the core of the action. Justin Kluivert The winger was a bright spark and always made himself an option with his positive thinking and forward runs. His pace caused countless problems for the ageing Empoli defence, and helped Roma get on the front foot. It should also be noted that he won the free kick that led to the winning goal. He will be hoping to kick on now for the final few games of the season. Strugglers Bryan Cristante Whilst his midfield partner Nzonzi impressed, Cristante was often sloppy in possession, giving the ball away when Roma could have created chances. The Italian played at an almost leisurely pace and also picked up a yellow card. It was far from his finest outing. Juan Jesus With Kostas Manolas injured and Federico Fazio serving a one-match ban, Jesus had to step up in defence, but it didn't go as well as planned, as the Brazilian spectacularly headed into his own net in the 12th minute. Alessandro Florenzi He may have got the assist for the winning goal, but more often than not, Florenzi's crosses were imprecise and failed to beat the first man. It's been a tough week for the full-back, who capped it off by getting sent off - albeit due to a harsh decision from the referee. Overall thoughts Roma stopped the rot by getting back to winning ways, and that's all that matters. Players will return over the next few weeks to supplement the starting lineup and add cover and quality where it is needed. The result is a step in the right direction that allows Roma to look forward rather than behind them. This is a platform to build on.
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samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
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October 2019
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