Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma secured their first win of the 2023-24 season victory with a 7-0 home thrashing of bottom-placed Empoli in Serie A on Sunday, thanks to two rapid goals. The resounding 7-0 triumph at their home ground was an exhilarating display of attacking prowess and a much-needed boost for the team following a challenging start to the season.
The victory catapulted Roma out of the relegation zone, elevating them to the 12th position with a tally of four points from four games. This remarkable win was a significant morale booster for both the players and the fans.
Roma’s dominance in this match was undeniable, and Empoli, who occupied the bottom of the league table, struggled to put up any resistance. In fact, Empoli remained the only team in Serie A that had yet to score a goal or secure a point in the current season.
Mourinho, always known for his astute analysis, commented on the match, saying, “We played well, but we didn’t have a 7-0 game.” He emphasized that the team played with a calm determination, acknowledging that there were moments of fluctuation, even on a physical level, and some players were unable to sustain a full 90-minute match.
The game’s narrative was punctuated by several standout moments. Paulo Dybala got Roma off to a flying start by converting a penalty in the second minute, awarded due to a handball. Renato Sanches added to the lead in the eighth minute, capitalizing on a well-placed cross by Rasmus Kristensen.
Empoli’s Alberto Grassi inadvertently contributed to Roma’s advantage by scoring an own goal in the 35th minute, making it 3-0. Dybala, in a remarkable individual performance, secured his brace with a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner.
Bryan Cristante further extended Roma’s lead with a powerful long-range strike, bringing the score to 5-0. New signing Romelu Lukaku, making his debut for Roma after joining on loan from Chelsea, added one more goal with a precise low shot into the center of the net.
Captain Gianluca Mancini put the final nail in Empoli’s coffin with a header, courtesy of Cristante’s clever backheel cross following a corner. The match was a true spectacle, leaving the Stadio Olimpico buzzing with excitement.
Empoli, on the other hand, made unfortunate history as they became the third team in Serie A history to lose their first four games of a season without scoring. Their sporting director, Pietro Accardi, shouldered the responsibility and expressed the need for reflection and improvement as they prepared to host league leaders Inter Milan in their next fixture.
For Roma, the road ahead looks promising as they travel to Moldova to face Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League before their league clash against Torino the following Sunday. The victory against Empoli has injected new life into the team, and fans are hopeful that this win will be a turning point in their season.