Yesterday’s 3-1 victory over AC Milan was noteworthy for several reasons, but lost amidst all the touching tributes to Claudio Ranieri on the occasion of his final match in Rome was one crucial footnote: Roma scored more than one goal! Following a 2-1 win over Athletic Club on March 6th, the Giallorossi went through a bit of a fallow period, going ten straight matches without scoring more than one goal.
That Ranieri managed to walk that tightrope as long as he did without falling off was incredible. Still, given the paucity of goals and, at times, a seeming reluctance to attack, it wasn’t surprising to see Roma’s luck run out last week against Atalanta. However, with emotions running high at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, Roma responded in kind, delivering their first multi-goal victory since a 4-0 romp over Monza on February 24th.
Considering all that, today’s Sinners and Saints will be all halos.
The Saints
Leandro Paredes
After seeing his minutes reduced over the past month, Leandro Paredes finally had his moment in the sun, striking a stunning 58th-minute free-kick goal from nearly thirty yards out. Teeing up the ball on the left side of the pitch, Paredes delivered one of the most exquisitely placed shots I’ve ever seen, placing the ball in the only spot it could have beaten Mike Maignan.
Have a look…
Remarkable. And what a way to send Ranieri out on top! In addition to that golazo, Paredes was effective with the ball at his feet, completing eight of eleven long balls while adding one key pass and recovering six balls.
MatÃas Soulé
Paredes’ compatriot continues to finish his debut season with Roma on a high note. Stepping into Paulo Dybala’s shoes, Soulé seldom shied away from the moment. By serving up the game’s first goal, Soulé extended a hot streak that has seen the 22-year-old notch two goals and three assists over his past six matches—a run that included decisive goals against Lazio and Inter Milan.
In addition to setting up Gianluca Mancini’s goal in the third minute, Soulé added three successful dribbles and five defensive actions while winning two-thirds of his duels.
Alexis Saelemaekers
Much like Paredes, the Belgian wing-back has found himself on the outside looking in over the past month. Making his first start since April 19th against Verona, Saelemaekers was like a gnat, flitting around the final third and periodically buzzing the ears of Milan’s defense. After a month off, Saelemaekers was lively, though a bit rusty.
Still, it didn’t take the Belgian long to find his rhythm. All told, Saelemaekers fired four shots, set up two more, and delivered two crosses while successfully completing two dribbles. He was energetic, effective, and a nuisance to the Rossoneri, who, unfortunately, still hold his rights.
Gianluca Mancini
While he had a relatively quiet night defensively (statistically speaking), Mancini did a masterful job converting Soulé’s third-minute corner into the game’s first goal. Boxing out Fikay Tomoroi like an in-his-prime Charles Barkley, Mancini made mincemeat of the Milan defender before flicking the ball past Maignan to kick off a celebratory evening in the Eternal City.
I’ve had my doubts about Mancini in the past, but he has truly blossomed into the club’s leader this season. And with Lorenzo Pellegrini’s future at Roma uncertain, Mancini may not relinquish that captain’s armband anytime soon.
Manu Koné
The 24-year-old French midfielder followed up a strong performance against Atalanta with an even better run against the Rossoneri last night. In one of his more dynamic turns this spring, Koné caused problems for Milan in both directions last night. In addition to winning 10 of 15 ground duels and intercepting three passes, Koné contributed two key passes, completed two successful dribbles, and completed all but one of his 49 passes.
We’ll also shout out Bryan Cristante for scoring Roma’s third goal, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t end this S&S with…
Photo by Claudio Pasquazi/Anadolu via Getty Images
Claudio Ranieri
Once you saw the tears welling in his eyes before kickoff, you knew this would be a night to savor. In some sense, the results were irrelevant. Sunday night was always meant to be a 90-minute farewell to a man who is one of the most beloved figures in club history. And, being equal parts pragmatic and poetic, yesterday’s performance perfectly encapsulated his entire tenure with the club.
We’ll have a longer farewell to Sir Claudio soon, but for now, let’s hope he has one final victory up his sleeve next weekend.