With 26 goals scored across 10 fixtures and three days, round eight of the 2016/17 Serie A season was a welcome return to domestic football in Italy following the international break.
Every week we bring you a round-up of the previous round’s winners and losers, so here are this weekend’s highlights.
Winner – Roma
The Giallorossi have struggled away from home this season, dropping silly points in places such as Turin, but on Saturday they were emphatic in their 3-1 win over second-place rivals Napoli. Unlike usual, Roma produced a complete performance as they were resolute at the back against one of Italy’s most potent attacks. The Partenopei struggled to break through Roma’s compact defensive lines while at the same time I Lupi carefully disrupted Napoli’s approach play.
Of course Luciano Spalletti and his men were given a massive helping hand from Kalidou Koulibaly, who made a rare mistake gifting Mohamed Salah the ball, and the Egyptian expertly set up Edin Dzeko to sweep home. In the second-half Roma continued to impress as Dzeko added a second to his name. Koulibaly made the game competitive for a few minutes as he pulled one back but Salah sealed the win after he burst beyond the Napoli back line. If Roma can keep the level of discipline and tactical knowledge they showed on Saturday, second-place is definitely up for grabs come the end of the season.
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