After winning the first trophy for Roma after 14 years (Europa Conference League in 2022), Jose Mourinho is leaning torwards Coppa Italia final, which his team won nine teams in their history, but the last time in 2007. His opponent was a tricky one – a Serie B side Cremonese and it sounds strange, but the guests managed to win in Rome twice, so a cautious approach was needed. And indeed, the guests (again) took the lead from their first shot on goal before the powerfull tandem Lukaku – Dybala turned the score over, giving Roma totally deserved victory 2-1. It was 77th minute and the score was a surprising 0-1 for the guests when the best Roma players managed to turn the game around in just eight minutes. Dybala started the action on the right, giving the ball to Azmoun, who quickly passed it on to Lukaku, who was precise this time around. In the 85th minute it was 2-1 already, after Dybala’s shot from penalty spot was good. Frank Tsadjout, Italian born striker with Cameroonian decent used his only chance of the game and frustrated Gialorossi, who were much better team before and after that goal. Mourinho fielded an attacking squad, with Lukaku, Belotti and Stephan El Shaarawy all in attack, which resulted with much more aggressive Roma, who had a number of good opportunities but somehow missed them all. In the first half, Belotti, El Shaarawy and Pellegrini all had their moments but Tsadjout scored on the other end. At halftime, Dybala, Zalewski and Kristensen were introduced instead of Belotti, Celik and Llorente which in fact meant that Mourinho played without a recognized center-back. The home team continued with the pressure and chances, and in the second half it was El Shaarawy (again), Lukaku and Dybala with excellent chances, but the score remained th e same until that 77st minute.
