Four Key Figures From Roma’s Loss to Milan

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As in the number of yellow cards produced by Fabio Maresca in the match. The Giallorossi were given four yellow cards and the Rossoneri seven (two of those became red). It was a poorly officiated match by all accounts that produced plenty of controversies. Besides the cards, there was the penalty call against Roger Ibañez (that didn’t produce a card), a non-foul on a Roma player for bringing down Krunic immediately before Theo’s second yellow, and the non-call against Kjaer on Pellegrini late in the match. The referee should never be the center of attention in a match, but Maresca certainly was on Halloween. Roma didn’t lose the match exclusively because of refereeing, but Maresca certainly didn’t help the Roma cause on Sunday.

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As in the number of shots on target produced by Roma’s starting four attackers. We’ve spoken in recent weeks able the Giallorossi’s inability to put shots on frame and Sunday was no different. Roma went into the half with no shots on target and finished the match with just six of 24 shots actually testing Ciprian Tataransu, who was cited as a potential liability prior to the match by many Milan fans. Yet, Roma never gave him a chance to falter. Only two of Roma’s six shots on target were by starters (Mancini & Zaniolo) with the other four coming from substitutes.

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As in the number of times that Roma players fouled Rafael Leao on Sunday. Leao made a nuisance of himself throughout the match with his pace and dribbling ability. It was his tight control that forced Rick Karsdorp to take Leao out just outside the penalty area in the 24th minute. The result: a perfectly placed Zlatan Ibrahimovic free-kick resulting in a goal. The Portuguese forward is really growing for Pioli’s side.

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As in José Mourinho's unbeaten run in Serie A home matches...prior to Sunday's defeat. The mark was the longest for a Serie A manager since 1994-1995. Obviously, not all of these matches came with Roma and were split over more than a decade after The Special One left Inter to go abroad. However you slice it, though, it’s an impressive stat. Let’s hope Mourinho can start a similar run, making the Olimpico a fortress under his command.