Giovanni Simeone’s stunning curler gave Torino a surprise 1-0 win over Roma, as Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical experiment failed to pay off.
Roma suffered a shock defeat to Torino, with Giovanni Simeone’s sensational curler proving to be the difference-maker. The Giallorossi had won their previous two matches 1-0, but Gasperini’s tactical experiment didn’t quite work out as planned.
Paulo Dybala was given his first start in a more advanced role, but it was Torino who took the lead and held on for the win.
The match got off to a lively start, with both teams creating chances. Mile Svilar struggled to fingertip a dangerous set-piece from Kristjan Asllani, while Gianluca Mancini didn’t get enough power on his header to surprise Franco Israel. Torino’s defense looked solid, and they were able to nullify Roma’s attacks.
It was Torino who opened the scoring, with Simeone creating a brilliant goal. He skinned Manu Koné at the touchline to go on the counter, then got the return pass from Cyril Ngonge to curl right-footed into the far top corner from the edge of the area. It was Cholito’s first Serie A goal in over a year, and it gave Torino the lead.
After the break, Gasperini transformed the strikers, bringing on Evan Ferguson and Tommaso Baldanzi. However, it was Torino who came close to doubling their lead. Nikola Vlasic pulled back from the by-line for Zakaria Aboukhlal’s first-time finish from eight yards, but Svilar made a remarkable reaction save to keep Roma in the game.
Roma pushed hard for an equalizer, but Torino’s defense held firm. Svilar made another excellent save, getting down quickly to palm the Vlasic daisy-cutter away from an Ivan Ilic pull-back. Gianluca Mancini’s finish was deflected into the arms of Israel, while Niccolò Pisilli’s header at the back post from a Ferguson flicked corner was straight at the goalkeeper from close range.
In the end, Torino’s defense proved too strong, and they held on for a 1-0 win. Simeone’s goal was the decisive moment in the match, and it gave Torino a surprise victory over Roma.
The loss was a disappointing one for Roma, who will look to regroup and get back to winning ways. Torino, on the other hand, will be thrilled with their win and will look to build on their momentum.
