A dazzling performance by Paulo Dybala, including a stunning hat-trick, propelled AS Roma to a 3-2 win over Torino on Monday night. This victory marks the fifth win in six games under the leadership of new manager Danielle De Rossi, who is pushing the team to secure a coveted Champions League spot next season.
De Rossi, aware of his team’s recent Europa League exertions, made several changes to the starting lineup, including introducing Rasmus Kristensen on loan from Leeds United. Kristensen nearly opened the scoring with a dangerous shot, but it wasn’t enough to beat Torino’s goalkeeper.
The first half was largely a stalemate until a controversial penalty decision in the second half. Torino’s Saba Sazonov made a reckless challenge on Roma’s Sardar Azmoun, prompting referee Juan Luca Sacchi to award a penalty. Dybala stepped up and coolly converted it, marking his ninth league goal of the season.
Torino responded quickly with a goal from Duván Zapata, who seems to have a knack for scoring against Roma, having contributed to eight goals (six goals and two assists) against them in 11 appearances.
However, Dybala wasn’t done yet. He showcased his individual brilliance again with a long-range thunderbolt that left Torino’s goalkeeper, Vanja Milinković-Savić, with no chance. This goal effectively sealed the victory for Roma, despite a late own goal by Dean Huijsen that gave Torino a glimmer of hope.
The win solidifies Roma’s position in the race for a Champions League spot, while Torino’s back-to-back losses leave them 10th in the table and their hopes for European football next season hanging in the balance. Dybala, rightfully awarded Player of the Match by Flashscore, was the undisputed star of the show, reminding everyone of his exceptional talent.
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