AS Roma has recorded a very difficult victory over Sheriff Tiraspol: 1-2. In Moldova, the Romans were not involved, especially in the first half, although they took the lead with an own goal just before the half-time signal. After halftime, Cristian Tovar equalized, after which Roma increased the tempo. Romelu Lukaku provided redemption by scoring the decisive goal just after an hour of play.
José Mourinho is still serving a suspension, although the Portuguese coach was present in the stadium. His duties on the sideline were taken over by assistant coach Salvatore Foti, who kept stars such as Paulo Dybala, Leonardo Spinazzola and Leandro Paredes on the bench. Lukaku was allowed to kick off, as was Rick Karsdorp. The latter was stationed as a right midfielder in the 4-3-3 formation of i Giallorossi. Renato Sanches and Bryan Cristante formed the block in midfield, while goalkeeper Mile Svilar was preferred to Rui Patrício.
? After a beautiful heel from Bryan Cristante, Romelu Lukaku gives AS Roma the lead! ??
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) September 21, 2023
Roma played a miserable first half and it was mainly Sheriff who made the rounds. Jerome Ngom Mbekeli shot over and Svilar saved David Ankeye’s shot. A major setback for Roma was the unfortunate retirement of Renato Sanches. The injury-prone Portuguese was replaced by Paredes, who had to make an appearance earlier than expected. The Argentinian saw Mbekeli come close to making it 1-0, if the post were not in the way. After Stephan El Shaarawy missed an opportunity, the halftime score seemed to be 0-0, but the reality turned out to be different. Roma suddenly took the lead just before half time. A free kick was deflected by both Amine Talal and Gaby Kiki, leaving goalkeeper Maksym Koval without a chance: 0-1.
After the break, Roma’s game was poor again and the equalizer after just under an hour of play was deserved. The Romans failed to clear a corner kick three times, allowing Tovar to finally score: 1-1. Roma then increased the pace, brought in Dybala and took the lead again just after the hour mark. After a nice heel from Bryan Cristante, Lukaku cut out his man and found the short corner: 1-2. Roma had possession of the ball, although danger from the Moldovans was never far away. Despite a few chances on both sides, no more goals were scored, meaning Roma is off to an excellent start in its Europa League campaign.