Early Under strike helps 10-man Roma back to winning ways

Posted Sunday, February 04, 2018 by PA

Cengiz Under’s stunning early strike was enough for 10-man Roma to grind out a much-needed 1-0 win at Hellas Verona.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s side had dropped to fifth in Serie A on the back of a six-match run without a victory.

Roma finally got back to winning ways at Verona on Sunday as Under’s first goal for the club proved enough despite Lorenzo Pellegrini’s sending off.

Under, who arrived from Istanbul Basaksehir in the summer, fired the Giallorossi ahead inside the opening minute when he cut inside and rifled a low drive home from the edge of the box.

It was a fine start that Edin Dzeko looked to build upon, with the striker proving a nuisance and volleying just wide in the 20th minute.

Radja Nainggolan dragged just wide from distance as Roma continued to dominate, with Ryder Matos flashing wide in a rare voyage forwards by the hosts.

Verona coach Fabio Pecchia was sent to the stands early in the second half, before Roma’s Pellegrini was sent off for a foul on Matos.

The pace of the game slowed as Roma looked to shut up shop but Dzeko was denied a chance to wrap up a win in the 73rd minute.

Kevin Strootman was also denied by a fine stoppage-time save by Nicolas after a fine break as the game finished 1-0 to the visitors.