Even for loyal Italian football fans, many who pay attention to the wider world of the beautiful game must have taken note of English side Brighton and Hove Albion’s rise through the leagues in more recent years.
They are now solidly established in the Premier League and after their performances in the previous season, the year of 2023/24 gave them a largely unexpected Europa League adventure under manager Roberto de Zerbi.
The Seagulls stormed through their Group B battles against Marseille, Ajax and AEK Athens, securing four wins and a draw from the six encounters, and their maiden appearance in the Europa League knockout round saw them face off against Serie A side AS Roma.
It has been a difficult season for fans of the Giallorossi, but with club legend Daniele De Rossi coming in as Jose Mourinho recent replacement, the 40 year old has proven to be a revelation. His seven domestic matches so far have returned six wins, and one defeat, for a total of 18 points. Even a month ago few saw a late charge for the Champions League places being on the cards, but that is exactly where De Rossi’s first team now find themselves as the gap is only four points, and they have a game in hand over fourth placed Bologna.
His Europa League record now also includes two wins and a draw, and the aforementioned Brighton clash proved a very tasty one for Roma fans at the Stadio Olimpico. Two first half goals from Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku gave them a great advantage, and with Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante adding goals of their own in the second period – well, Brighton’s first foray into the knockout rounds already looks like it is over and there is still 90 minutes left to play.
Roma will be even more pleased with the scoreline, as their opposition on Thursday evening were not poor. They played well, and had some very good chances of their own and even hit the woodwork, albeit it, it was deflected.
But De Rossi’s game plan was spot on, and even though the visitors had far more of the ball, Roma had the greater chances both on and off target, and they were utterly clinical at capitalising on their defensive mistakes, whilst remaining very solid at the back themselves. In fact, most of Brighton’s chances actually came from distance as they struggled to break the defence down and cut through them in a meaningful way.
The second leg over in England, baring an absolute meltdown, should be very routine for the side now.
