The Rome of Jose Mourinho They did their homework and beat Moldovan Sheriff Tiraspol without problems (3-0), but the victory was not enough to finish in first place in group G of the Europa League. Slavia Prague also did not disappoint against Swiss side Servette, whom they beat 4-0, and finished top of the standings, thus ensuring direct access to the round of 16 of the competition.
On the other hand, Roma must play the playoffs on February 15 and 22, 2024 to ensure their presence in the round of 16. Their rival will be third in the group from the Champions League and you will find out on Monday at the draw that UEFA will conduct in Nyon.
First place is at stake
In group G of the Europa League, only first and second place remain on this final day. Slavia, who finished with 15 points, gave Roma no chance (13) determined to score goals so that, in the event of a slip-up by the Austrians, they would finish first on account of the best overall goal difference.
Despite the many casualties, including that of Paulo Dybala, Mourinho’s team had the upper hand from the opening whistle until the bottom-placed Sheriff, who was dismissed with a point under his belt, and in the first minute the right winger. Rick Karsdorp opened the scoring when receiving alone but his cross shot just went wide.
Zalewski served Lukaku’s goal on a plate
On the other side, Nicola Zalewski was outstanding, without a doubt the best player of the match in his continuous arrival. In one of them the Pole got away and provided a perfect assist so that Romelu Lukaku only had to push the ball into the net into the empty goal (11′). It was the Belgian’s fifth goal in six Europa League games and 12th of the season counting 7 in Serie A.
After half an hour, complete Roman dominance translated to 2-‘. Renato Sanches sent a chipped pass to Zalewski, who without dropping the ball tried to get past goalkeeper Maksym Koval, who caught it with his fingertips, but Andrea Belotti put his head in to score the goal.
Slavia had no choice
Roma players rush to collect the ball from the goal to score more. The particular ‘average’ with Slavia is tied but the Czechs have a better overall goal difference, so it is important to achieve more in case of surprise in Prague.
But it’s not like that. Slavia already led Servette 4-0 at half-time, with no options to improve their third place, so the second half in the same game was a formality. Rome never saw any danger from a harmless Sheriff and Lukaku and Stephan El Shaarawy They had a good chance to extend the simple victory.
The young Pisilli makes his debut in Europe and scores
Already on discount, the substitute Niccolò Pisilli, 19, established the final 3-0 after combining Lukaku, with his back to the goal returned the ball, and saw how his shot was deflected by a defender and became a goal. The young midfielder put the icing on the cake for his Europa League debut.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
