Sergio Oliveira made history on his Roma debut on Sunday evening as his first half penalty earned Jose Mourinho's side a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Cagliari.
Having arrived in midweek on loan from Porto and going straight into Mourinho's starting XI, Oliveira became the first-ever Portuguese player to score a Serie A goal for the Giallorossi.
Roma knew that only a win would suffice as they hosted the Sardinians after letting a 3-1 lead slip in seven second half minutes against Juventus last time out in a 4-3 loss. That loss to Juve followed a loss to AC Milan as well.
Mourinho had spoken glowingly of his new signing ahead of Sunday's game, but admitted that he had yet to decide whether or not his compatriot would assume the responsibility of dispatching penalties. Half an hour in, after Roma had seen a previous penalty awarded and taken away after VAR intervention, it became clear that the coach had decided.
A second spot kick was awarded and this one stood, allowing Oliveira to convert from 12 yards, bagging his 11th from his last 12 spot kicks.
Cagliari were largely outplayed on the night but never threw in the towel, led by Joao Pedro in search of an equaliser in the second half.
But it wasn't to come and Roma moved back on par with Lazio on 35 points in sixth place. Cagliari remain in the bottom three.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com