Empoli 1-3 Roma: El Shaarawy masterclass sees off Azzurri

Date: 28th February 2016 at 2:09pm
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Roma beat Empoli 3-1 at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday evening.

The Giallorossi begun the match in a determined mood, and were rewarded in the fifth minute when Stephen El Shaarawy’s long-range effort burst the net.

Nevertheless, I Lupi’s lead did not last long as the Tuscan side equalised through an Ervin Zukanovic own goal in the 21st minute. Yet, moments later, Miralem Pjanic gave his side lead once again.

In the second-half the Giallorossi asserted their dominance in the 73rd minute, once again through El Shaarawy.

Roma dominated the start to the match and took the lead in the fifth minute.

El Shaarawy cut inside from the left flank and from 25 yards out curled a simply stunning effort into the top corner of the net.

The Azzurri’s response to going 1-0 down was positive, yet they were rather gifted an equaliser in the 21st minute.

Szczesny attempted to punch clear Mario Rui’s cross, however the ball rebounded off the face of Zukanovic and into his own net.

Six minutes later Roma regained the lead. Pjanic’s free-kick hit the Empoli wall, but Bosnian confidently drove the rebound beyond Lukasz Skorupski.

The Giallorossi began the second-half like they had in the opening 45 minutes.

Following some nice build-up play, Diego Perotti laid the ball back to El Shaarawy, however his powerful strike was saved confidently.

Despite increased pressure from Empoli, Roma added to their lead.

El Shaarawy slipped Mohamed Salah in behind the Azzurri defence. The Egyptian’s effort was saved but rebound fell straight to El Shaarawy, who drove home his second of the evening.

In the last minute of stoppage time Rui was sent-off for stamping on Antonio Rudiger.

The result leaves Empoli in 10th place, whilst Roma move up into third.

 

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