Roma recorded their fifth consecutive Serie A victory with a resounding 5-0 win over Palermo on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico.
Edin Dzeko commenced festivities on the half-hour mark before Seydou Keita netted a rare goal six minutes after the restart. Mohamed Salah then assumed control and struck twice in quick succession before Dzeko added a fifth on the 88th minute mark to compound a harrowing evening for Giuseppe Iachini’s side.
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Roma
Wojciech Szczesny – 6 – Quiet
Rarely called into action, although he was alert when the away side made a rare foray into the opposition half.
Maicon – 7 – Potent
Stifled during the opening exchanges but his influence grew as the game evolved. A few decent deliveries that should have been converted.
Kostas Manolas – 7.5 – Commanding
Built on his impressive recent displays with a commanding showing against Alberto Gilardino. First to most aerial balls.
Antonio Rudiger – 7 – Faultless
Not as proactive as his defensive companion but his positional awareness was excellent.
Lucas Digne – 7 – Bright
A constant menace down the left-hand side but perhaps didn’t load the box enough with his inviting crosses.
Alessandro Florenzi – 7.5 – Incisive
Dovetailed nicely with Digne down the left on several occasions during the first half and provided the corner for which Keita doubled Roma’s advantage.
Seydou Keita – 7.5 – Assuring
A calming presence in midfield, screening the Roma backline with great poise. Reacted first to a loose ball inside the opposing penalty area to net a rare goal.
Radja Nainggolan – 7.5 – Creative
Instrumental in the Giallorossi’s fourth goal of the evening and was a constant threat between the lines.
Miralem Pjanic – 7.5 – Inventive
Fed Dzeko with a delightful cross to break the deadlock before striking the frame of the goal from a free-kick. Composed and could have manufactured another goal for the Bosnian when he slid a deft reverse pass through the Palermo backline.
Mohamed Salah – 8 – Decisive
One of Roma’s more potent threats in midweek and the Eyptian entered double figures for the season with a five-star performance against the Rosanero. Finished expertly to net his first of the contest before bamboozling the Palermo defence with a cute dink from the byline with Alastra grounded to grab his second.
Edin Dzeko – 7.5 – Threatening
Recovered expertly from a harrowing miss midway through the first half to register a decisive brace. Converted emphatically on the half-hour mark to edge his side in front before heading beyond the Palermo goalkeeper to cap off an impressive display.
Substitutions
Iago Falque – 6.5 – Encouraging
Tried his luck upon introduction but could not work himself into the game.
Kevin Strootman – N/A
The midfielder returned from a 12-month injury layoff and was assured in possession.
Diego Perotti – N/A
Many were surprised the ex-Genoa forward was omitted after his performance against Real Madrid and Perotti staked his claim for a starting role against Fiorentina next week with an unerring cross for Džeko to make it five on 88 minutes.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com