Alessandro Nesta’s AC Monza is still struggling, now with just one win from their last 18 Serie A matches, remaining seven points adrift of safety after a 4-0 thumping by the in-form AS Roma. The scoring was opened by Alexis Saelemaekers (25), whose stunning long-range strike could easily be a contender for goal of the season.
When Claudio Ranieri took over as manager in mid-November, Roma had just 13 points from their first 12 matches. However, they have surged back into form, now unbeaten in nine games and closing the gap to sixth-placed Fiorentina to just two points.
The Giallorossi missed their top scorers Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala due to injuries and benching, respectively, following a demanding European clash against FC Porto.
The momentum was firmly with the home side right from the start, and it felt like a matter of time before they broke the deadlock against the league’s bottom club. After a brief drought of no goals since Christmas, AC Milan loanee Saelemaekers found the back of the net in spectacular style from distance.
Cutting inside from the right, the Belgian was given far too much room and unleashed an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner.
Roma repeatedly targeted Monza’s left flank, directing their attacks down that route time and again.
This strategy paid off once more when Eldor Shomurodov, the provider of the first goal, connected with Matias Soule’s pinpoint cross from the right, putting Roma two goals up at halftime.
Despite only having 27% possession and being under intense pressure, Monza did manage to keep Mile Svilar alert during the first half, with decent efforts from Dany Mota and Silvere Ganvoula.
The visitors breathed a sigh of relief when the goal scorers were substituted by Ranieri but were soon caught out at the other end when Angelino intercepted a pass, allowing Bryan Cristante to complete a perfect night for Roma.
The age-old saying goes not to return to your ex, which may not be what reinstated manager Nesta wants to hear after his dismissal less than two months ago. With only 12 matches left in the season, he faces a daunting task of steering the team back to form or preparing for life in Serie B.
In contrast, Roma is riding high, with three fixtures against teams in the bottom half coming up alongside their UEFA Europa League knockout phase clash with Athletic Bilbao.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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