Roma v Bologna: Man of the Match

It wasn’t the greatest match played by Roma all season, but the Giallorossi did just enough to take the three points from relegation battling Bologna. Ironically enough, two of Roma’s less impressive performers, Aleksandar Kolarov and Federico Fazio, scored the goals. However, some other players had more of a positive impact on the match.

Who do you think was Roma’s man of the match at the Olimpico?

The Candidates

#1: Robin Olsen

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After missing out on Roma’s last two matches through injury, Olsen regained his starting spot between the sticks against Bologna. The big Swede was on top of his game as he made several big saves for Roma to keep the game at 0-0, including a big double save on Simone Edera. Olsen can take little blame on Nicola Sansone’s goal. Roma will hope for more performances like this one from the big Swede going forward.

#2: Lorenzo Pellegrini

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Pellegrini’s name may not have ended up on the scoresheet like in some of his other high end performances. However, the young Roman was one of Roma’s unsung heroes tonight. Pellegrini did a little bit of everything to help Roma’s cause, filling up the stat sheet. Pellegrini had 65 touches, 3 key passes, 5 tackles, 3 interceptions, provided 2 accurate crosses and 2 accurate long balls, while completing 79% of his passes and drawing 3 fouls. Quite the varied stat line on a night when many Giallorossi players struggled, especially his midfield compatriot, Bryan Cristante.

#3: Stephan El Shaarawy

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El Shaarawy was left out of tonight’s starting line-up in favor of Justin Kluivert after picking up a knock in Saturday’s training. A lackluster first half by many in the squad led to SES being introduced at halftime for Cristante, as Roma shifted to a 4-2-3-1. Il Faraone proved he was up to the task, as he had a major impact on the match. Just seven minutes after stepping onto the pitch, El Shaarawy played a lovely one-two with Edin Dzeko and was barreled over as he attempted to collect the return pass. Roma were awarded a penalty, which Kolarov coolly slotted home. SES would continue to be active down the left and offer an outlet to break Bologna’s pressure throughout the rest of the match.

#4: Kostas Manolas

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On a night when his partner, Fazio, was abysmal at times, Manolas stepped up big to lead the Roma back line. Manolas played a strong game keeping Bologna’s lone striker, Federico Santander off the scoresheet. The Greek finished the match with three tackles, three clearances, one interception, four aerial duels won, and a team high four blocked shots.