Lukaku brace helps Roma steady the ship in Cagliari stroll . Romelu Lukaku scored two goals in yesterday’s 4-1 victory over Serie A’s lowest team Cagliari, extending his goal count for the tournament to seven. This maintained his rapid start to life in a Roma shirt.
In the 20th minute, Belgium’s Lukaku put Roma ahead twice, just after Houssem Aouar had put the away team ahead against a Cagliari squad that had not won since being promoted.
And just before the hour mark in a straightforward victory in Sardinia, he wrapped up the points for Roma, who are currently ranked tenth with eleven points, with a stunning finish from Leandro Paredes’ first-time pass. It was his fifth league goal of the current season.
Even if Jose Mourinho may be fired due to Roma’s fluctuating performances, Lukaku made an immediate effect when he joined the team on loan from Chelsea at the end of the summer transfer window.
As a professional, I am. In the summer, I worked,” Lukaku told DAZN.
“People talk about me, but I don’t talk. During the pitch, I demonstrate my value to the team.”
Although a source denied to AFP that Roma was considering sacking its coach or had spoken to former Germany and Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick, the Corriere Dello Sport stated on Saturday that Mourinho would be fired if his club lost at Cagliari.
Regardless, Sunday’s triumph marked their first away win in Italy’s top division this season and their third in three games following their 4-1 thrashing at Genoa late last month, which infuriated fans.
Eight minutes before Lukaku’s second goal, Andrea Belotti scored another wonderful goal for Roma. He did this by collecting a lofted cross from Paredes, skinning Gabriele Zappa, and finishing with a beautiful low finish.
Five minutes before the half, Paulo Dybala was substituted by Belotti. The Argentina forward had been heavily challenged by Matteo Prati, who slapped a tackle into his knee, and had been crying as he left the field.
Even if Lukaku and Belotti have proven to be a more than capable strike tandem, Mourinho will now be worried about the health of star player Dybala.
Since moving to Italy, I’ve had the good pleasure to play alongside some incredible players… Lukaku remarked, “He’s our most important player, so I hope he can return soon.
Vecino boosts Lazio
After Matias Vecino scored a late goal to give Lazio a 3-2 victory over Atalanta, the team is now one point behind their local rivals Roma in 13th place.
After scoring in Wednesday’s Champions League victory against Celtic, Uruguayan midfielder Vecino struck a beautiful volley in response to Valentin Castellanos’ knockdown in the 83rd minute in Rome. It was his second goal in as many games.
With a two-goal lead created by Charles De Ketelaere’s early own goal and Castellanos’ first club goal in the eleventh minute, the substitute’s goal spared Lazio’s blushes.
Ederson and Sead Kolasinac both scored two free headers just before halftime to even the score, but Vecino secured Lazio’s third victory of the Serie A campaign and their 12th place finish with 10 points, six points clear of the bottom three.
Lazio had a poor season debut, marred by conflict between owner Claudio Lotito and coach Maurizio Sarri. Last season, Lazio finished second behind league leaders Napoli.
“Vecino is solving problems and scoring big goals,” Sarri remarked.
“He made a significant impact even though I felt it was best to only give him part of the game today, even though he played really well midweek.”
With 13 points, Atalanta sits in sixth place, one point ahead of Frosinone and surprise winners Monza, who defeated Verona 2-1 and Salernitana 3-0, respectively.
Later, when they host the highly competitive Fiorentina, champions Napoli attempt to maintain their lead over leaders AC Milan.
In order to keep the distance between them and Milan at four points, Rudi Garcia’s team, who are now in fourth place and level on 14 points with their opponents on Sunday, must defeat the Tuscans. — APF