Roma’s Europa League campaign hangs in the balance after a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to AZ Alkmaar. The Dutch side leapfrogged the Giallorossi in the table thanks to a late Troy Parrott goal, leaving Roma’s hopes resting on their final group stage match.
Despite entering the match unbeaten in six competitive games and feeling confident, Roma struggled to make an impact in the Netherlands. The absence of injured midfielders Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante was felt as the Italian side failed to control the game.
The first half saw few clear-cut chances for either team. Manu Koné made a crucial block to deny Sven Mijnans, while Artem Dovbyk tested the AZ goalkeeper from distance. Evan N’Dicka’s defensive error nearly gifted AZ an opportunity, but Mexx Meerdink failed to capitalize.
Dovbyk, already on a yellow card, was substituted at halftime for Matias Soulè. The change almost paid dividends as Roma created better chances in the second half. Paulo Dybala narrowly missed the target with a volley following a clever Angelino cross, while Soulè had a couple of opportunities that didn’t materialize.
However, it was AZ who broke the deadlock with just 10 minutes remaining. A well-executed move saw Jordy Clasie spread the ball to David Moller Wolfe, whose low cross was met by substitute Troy Parrott. The on-loan Tottenham striker reacted quickest to sweep home from close range, securing a crucial victory for the Dutch side.
Roma pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, with Soulè and Dybala both coming close, but ultimately failed to find the back of the net. The defeat leaves Roma’s Europa League fate hanging by a thread, with everything to play for in their final group stage match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Goals: Parrott 80 (A)
AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3): Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Koopmeiners (62′ Buurmeester), Mijnans, Clasie; Poku, Meerdink (72′ Parrott), Lahdo (62′ Buurmeester)
Roma (4-3-2-1): Svilar; Çelik, Hummels, N’Dicka, Angeliño; Koné, Paredes (85′ Baldanzi), Pisilli; Dybala, Saelemaekers (74′ El Shaarawy); Dovbyk (46′ Soulé).
