Roma's Spectacular 7-0 Victory Under Mourinho's Leadership

 Roma's Spectacular 7-0 Victory Under Mourinho's Leadership

Roma's Spectacular 7-0 Victory Under Mourinho's Leadership(Image-Getty)

In a dazzling display of skill and dominance, AS Roma, under the leadership of Jose Mourinho, secured their inaugural victory of the 2023-24 Serie A season. This resounding triumph unfolded at their home turf, as they obliterated the league's bottom-placed team, Empoli, with a staggering 7-0 scoreline on a memorable Sunday.

This win marked a crucial turning point for Roma, as it catapulted them from the depths of the relegation zone to a more comfortable 12th position, amassing a total of four points from their initial four games. Empoli, on the other hand, continued to struggle as the only team in Serie A yet to find the net and claim their first point in the current campaign.

Mourinho, ever the pragmatist, commented on the match's outcome, stating, "We played well, but we didn't have a 7-0 game." He emphasized that the team approached the game with a composed winning mentality, acknowledging some fluctuations in performance, particularly on a physical level. Mourinho also noted that certain players lacked the fitness to complete a full 90-minute match.

The scoring spree for Roma began early, with Paulo Dybala calmly converting a penalty in the second minute, following a handball that led to the penalty award. Renato Sanches swiftly doubled their lead in the eighth minute by heading home a precise cross from Rasmus Kristensen. Empoli's Alberto Grassi inadvertently added to Roma's advantage, putting the ball into his own net in the 35th minute.

After the halftime break, Dybala secured his brace, slotting a low finish into the bottom left corner. This marked his first personal goal tally of the season, achieved in only his second appearance.

Roma's dominance continued as Bryan Cristante unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, making it 5-0 with 11 minutes left on the clock. Romelu Lukaku, making his first start for Roma since joining on loan from Chelsea, contributed to the onslaught with a precise low shot into the middle of the net.

Captain Gianluca Mancini added the final flourish to the rout, connecting with Cristante's clever backheel cross following a corner, sealing a memorable night at the Stadio Olimpico.

Empoli's plight continued as they became only the third team in Serie A history to lose their first four games of a season without registering a single goal, joining the ranks of Mantova in 1964-65 and Padova in 1994-95.

Empoli's sporting director, Pietro Accardi, shared his thoughts on the situation, acknowledging that the responsibility for their struggles extends beyond the coach. He hinted at a need for reflection and corrective action.

In their upcoming fixtures, Empoli faces the formidable leaders, Inter Milan, while Roma embarks on a European journey with an away match against Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova, followed by a league encounter against Torino next Sunday.