In a tense encounter at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma secured a vital 1-0 victory against Torino, courtesy of a Paulo Dybala goal. The Argentine forward proved to be the difference-maker in a match that saw Roma climb to 10th place in the Serie A standings with 13 points from 10 games.
The match began under unusual circumstances, with Roma players facing boos from their own supporters even before the warm-up. Manager Ivan Juric made several tactical adjustments, including benching captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and deploying Dybala as a false nine due to Artem Dovbyk’s absence.
Dybala’s impact was felt early in the game when he capitalized on a defensive error by Karol Linetty in the 20th minute. The Roma forward showcased his skill by rounding goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and finding the net from a tight angle, despite Adam Masina’s desperate attempt at a goal-line clearance.
Roma had opportunities to extend their lead, with Angelino coming close shortly after the opening goal. However, Milinkovic-Savic kept Torino in the game with a crucial save. The visitors struggled to mount a significant response, with their best chances coming from a deflected Linetty shot and a weak header by Guillermo Maripán.
The second half saw both teams create chances, with Roma’s Tommaso Baldanzi hitting the post, though the effort was ruled offside. Torino’s substitute Alieu Njie tested Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, who was forced into a diving save.
As the match progressed, Roma made substitutions, bringing on Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante, who were met with more boos from the home crowd. In contrast, Dybala received applause when he was substituted in the 79th minute, acknowledging his match-winning performance.
Goals: Dybala ’20 (R)
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Celik, Koné, Le Fée, Zalewski (dal 79’ El Shaarawy); Baldanzi (dal 79’ Cristante), Pisilli (dal 65’ Pellegrini); Dybala (dal 78’ Shomurodov)
TORINO (3-5-2): Milinkovic-Savic; Coco, Maripan (dal 59’ Pedersen), Masina; Ricci, Linetty (dal 79’ Karamoh), Gineitis (dal 46’ Njie), Lazaro; Sanabria (dal 59’ Vlasic), Adams:
