ROME. The Europa League smiles at Roma, the only Italian left in the running in the cups, and in a night of fear and pride to take them to the semifinals – paradox of a crooked season – is Edin Dzeko, the ‘rebel’ of the Fonseca management. Paired with him, the 1-1 goal with Ajax, and above all the qualification, comes from baby Calafiori, a message for the future. The present says that to earn the double challenge against Manchester United, the difficult opponent on the way to the final, Roma had to suffer a lot against the Dutch, who have always had the ball at their feet but hardly materialized. The 1-1 final rewards the Giallorossi thanks to the 2-1 first leg in Amsterdam. Brobbey’s goal at the opening of the second half, after an all-attacking first half for the Dutch, is matched by the equalizer signed by Edin Dzeko which is worth gold and above all the first semifinal of the Europa League in the history of Rome.
Ready to go: in Rome as expected Calafiori holder, Diawara preferred to Villar and Mkhitaryan again from 1. In Ajax, Stekelenburg is back at his disposal, the former Giallorossi number 1 has disposed of the physical problem that had kept him out in the first leg. Forward, false nine Dusan Tadic, flanked by Antony and Neres. The first acute is from Fonseca’s men: Roma took the lead with Veretout, but the goal was canceled for offside by the French midfielder. Then a sensational mistake by Pau Lopez threatens to let the Dutch pass: the Spanish goalkeeper serves Antony out inside the area, the Brazilian finds Klassen very well and Diawara’s closure on the safe shot of the number 6 of the Lancers is essential. Dzeko and his companions feel the blow and practically stop attacking, leaving the initiative to the Dutch who, despite several raids, are unable to make themselves dangerous.
The first 45 ‘ended goalless with Ajax to push more in search of the goal: the Dutch ball possession produced chances for the Lancers, but Roma seemed in control. However, the Giallorossi lack the acute counterattack. Ajax ahead in the count of conclusions, with 5 shots against the 3 of the Giallorossi. Capitoline who kicked only one corner, against the 5 of the Lancers, who dominated possession with 73% of supremacy.
News for Ajax in the second half: the powerful Brobbey enters the field, with captain Tadić climbing on the left. The results are immediate, the new entry gives the Dutch the advantage by surprising Cristante and Mancini in speed and putting in Pau Lopez. Ajax continues to attack scoring the 2-0 with Tadic: the goal is canceled thanks to the help of the Var who immortalizes a foul by Tagliafico on Mkhitaryan leaving the area. Risking to go under 2-0, Roma tries to make up for it by relieving the pressure of the guests and on a good action on the left of Calafiori comes the equal goal signed by Dzeko: the yellow and red winger puts Timber on the ground and tries the cross, passage deviated by Gravenberch that ends right on the feet of the Bosnian number nine who pushes into the net from a few steps away. Roma continues to attack, going close to the 2-1 that does not arrive. Instead comes a historic semifinal against the English of Manchester United. Three years after the semi-final in the Champions League with another English team, Liverpool.