Torino 0-1 AS Roma
It’s been a summer of change at AS Roma.
Out have gone fans’ favourites Alisson and Radja Nainggolan and in have come new faces which fans in the eternal city (not Lazio supporters, obviously) hope will lead to Eusebio di Francesco taking his team to the next level.
So what was the SBOBET impression from this first outing of Serie A?
Would the Serie A 2018 betting odds lean towards Walter Mazzarri’s Torino against revolutionised Roma?
Or will the wait for silverware go on? (Roma last won a trophy with victory against Inter Milan in the Italian Super Cup in 2007).
Highlights of the game
During the first half, the woodwork was as busy as any of the players on the field.
First Edin Dzeko played through Aleksandar Kolarov who clipped the outside of the post.
Moments later Dzeko saw his shot strike the other upright after a Kevin Strootman cross.
Had either of those efforts gone in, Roma would have been up and running but they were twice frustrated and it was Torino’s turn to hit the woodwork next as Tomas Rincon’s right footed shot cannoned back off the crossbar.
Efforts were missed, efforts were blocked but the deadlock could not be broken between last season’s 10th place side and the club which finished in third position and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Early in the second half came the return of VAR – used to such good effect (in most cases) during Russia 2018.
Ola Aina, making his debut from the substitutes bench just days after joining on loan from Chelsea, combined with Iago Falque whose shot squirmed under debutant goalkeeper Robin Olsen – last seen playing for Sweden at the World Cup – and the shot-stopper may have been relieved when Ainawas adjudged to have been offside.
A spell of pressure came from the other side with Dzeko and Cengiz Under both seeing shots blocked, while Stephan El Shaarawy and Aina fired efforts high and wide.
Dzeko and Javier Pastore – the lauded and highly awaited summer arrival from Paris St Germain – also went close, and Soualiho Meite forced Olsen into action.
Roma’s day seemed to be summed up 11 minutes from time when Dzeko hit the post for the second time with a towering header from a Kolarov delivery – these two have a good understanding from their Manchester City days.
Still the end to end action as substitute Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick (who looked lively during his cameo following his transfer from Ajax), Torino goal-getter Andrea Belotti(who will have to put last season’s injury woes behind him) and Falque forced saves from the respective goalkeepers and a goalless stalemate seemed likely.
When home penalty appeals were turned down, a frustrated Mazzarri was sent off for dissent.
But fortune favours the brave and in Dzeko, Roma have a frontman who never gives up.
There was just a minute on the clock when Kluivert played him in and his cushioned left-footed volley was expertly despatched into the top right-hand corner.
Dzeko was booked for his excessive celebration.He probably didn’t care.
It was a wonderful strike, a simply stunning finish good enough to win any game and as he whipped off his shirt, jumped over an advertising hoarding and enjoyed the moment with visiting supporters, you could see what it meant to all those connected with the club.
This is a player who has a very good goalscoring record, despite being often not recognised by many, including this observer.
The Giallorossi have a new look and a winning start and that counts for so much, particularly after some barren years.
Key statistics
In Serie A 2018 news, goalkeeper Olsen and Pastore made their Roma debuts, with Armando Izzo and Meite starting for the hosts.
Torino have only beaten Roma once at home since 1990. In that time, they have draw 10 matches and suffered five defeats.
Two players went off injured during this match.
Lorenzo Di Silvestri limped off in the first half, replaced by Aina, while Izzo departed after the break with what appeared to be a sprained ankle.
What’s next?
It’s two matches in five days next for AS Roma.
Their opening home match of the season sees them welcome Atalanta on August 27 before a trip to the San Siro to taken on Genaro Gattuso’s Milan on August 31.
Torino are also heading to the San Siro. It’s Inter Milan next up for them (August 26) before SPAL are the visitors on September 2.
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