Roma, Smalling is enough: Cremonese knockout, but it’s anxiety for Zaniolo

Another 1-0 for the Giallorossi

Roma beat Cremonese 1-0 and confirmed full points after two matches, both of which were passed victoriously by the same score (in the first match, the Giallorossi had beaten Salernitana).

Deciding the match at the Olimpico was the winning header by Chris Smalling, who in the 65th minute took advantage of bland Grigiorossa coverage on a corner kick to get past Radu and effectively sign the goal that earned the three points. Still dry was the attacking tandem of Tammy Abraham and Paulo Dybala, despite numerous attempts.

What cracked the smile of Jose Mourinho and the entire Giallorossi environment, however, was the nasty shoulder injury suffered by Nicolò Zaniolo in the final minutes of the first half. After a clash of play, Zaniolo fell badly on his shoulder: the medical staff tried to medicate him but the pain was too great, so much so that a rescue vehicle had to come in to take him off the field.

Roma thus remains on full points after two games, but the knockout of one of its most representative players is a big headache ahead of Saturday’s big match at home to Juventus.