Roma started their new season campaign in the debut match against Salernitana with a 2-2 draw.
Roma had a lot of setbacks, as Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini suspended, Tammy Abraham and Marash Kumbulla injured, while Evan N’Dicka, Leandro Paredes and Renato Sanches were not considered ready to start.
Before the kickoff, there was a minute’s silence for legendary Roma coach and fan Carlo Mazzone, who died yesterday at the age of 86.
Andrea Belotti first fired home his first goal for the host after more that 15 months at the club, but it was ruled out for offside.
Then he fired another one home, controlling another Diego Llorente ball over the top, held off Federico Fazio, wriggled between another two defenders and tapped the ball past on-rushing Guillermo Ochoa. And this time, it counted.
Salernitana scored with their first real chance on target. Federico Fazio’s through ball sent Antonio Candreva into the box, where he turned Smalling and struck the roof of the net.
Candeva got his second of the match and the fourth brace since 2016. He fired in a beautiful left-footed shot.
Paredes’ corner found Belotti for a free header from six yards to equalize and complete his brace in the 89th minute.
Roma currently sits 8th on the table while their opponents, Salernitana sits on the 9th position.
