Samp hit for four by Roma; losing streak extends to three
Sampdoria were deservedly beaten 4-1 by Roma at the Stadio Olimpico this afternoon, continuing our recent bout of poor form.
Last season’s victory in this fixture was down to a committed and collective performance by the Blucerchiati, but unfortunately Marco Giampaolo’s players were bettered in every department by the Giallorossi today and have now lost three in a row.
After a cagey opening 20 minutes, Juan Jesus broke the deadlock when he popped up at the far post to poke home a downward header by Bryan Cristante.
The closest Sampdoria came to restoring parity in the first half was when Aleksandar Kolarov headed a cross onto his own post, while attempting to clear behind for a corner.
Samp had it all to do in the second half and it looked like they were handed a lifeline ten minutes after the restart. When Gaston Ramirez went over Kostas Manolas’ leg, the referee initially pointed to the penalty spot but upon review of the VAR, he overturned his decision.
It proved to be our last chance to get something out of this game, as five minutes later former Doria striker Patrik Schick made it 2-0 and then in the 72nd minute Stephan El Shaarawy chipped over Emil Audero to increase the gap to three.
One minute from the end of normal time, Gregoire Defrel gave the travelling support something to cheer about with one of the goals of the season. About 12 yards out, the Frenchman killed the ball with a deft touch of his heel, before swivelling and scoring past Robin Olsen.
El Shaarawy then restored the three-goal lead with virtually the last kick of the game.
Today was one to forget, as Serie A now pauses for the international break. Sampdoria are back in action on 25 November in the Derby della Lanterna against Genoa.
Roma 4-1 Sampdoria (HT: 1-0)
Scorers: Jesus 20, Schick 59, El Shaarawy 72 and 90+3, Defrel 89.
Roma (4-2-3-1): Olsen; Florenzi, Manolas, Jesus, Kolarov; Cristante, Nzonzi; Kluivert (Under, 81), Lo. Pellegrini (Zaniolo, 79), El Shaarawy; Schick (Dzeko, 68).
Subs not used: Fuzato, Mirante, Dzeko, Marcano, Santon, Coric, Fazio.
Coach: Di Francesco.
Sampdoria (4-3-1-2): Audero; Bereszynski, Andersen, Colley, Murru; Praet (Jankto, 45), Vieira, Linetty (Sala, 68); Ramírez; Caprari (Kownacki, 80), Defrel.
Subs not used: Rafael, Belec, Saponara, Ekdal, Leverbe, Junior, Ferrari, Tonelli, Quagliarella.
Coach: Giampaolo.
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati.
Assistant referees: Lorenzo Manganelli and Gianluca Vuoto.
Fourth official: Eugenio Abbattista.
VAR officials: Gianluca Rocchi and Matteo Passeri.
Yellow cards: Linetty 18, Florenzi 85.
Additional time: 0+5 minutes.
