Roma off to a flier with Udinese thrashing

Rome (AFP) – Roma got their Serie A campaign off to a flier with a 4-0 demolition of Udinese in the season opener at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Two second-half penalties from Argentinian midfielder Diego Perotti and late strikes from Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah delivered a convincing win after what was a sluggish start by Luciano Spalletti’s side.

Roma, looking to improve on last season’s third-place finish, dominated the opening period without ever seriously threatening to capitalise on over 70 percent possession.

Instead the clearest chance before the break fell to Udinese when Emmanuel Badu found space on the right.

The Ghana international’s cross fell invitingly for Rodrigo De Paul but the Argentinian midfielder blazed his volley over the bar from ten yards.

The visitors were made to regret that miss as Roma discovered their cutting edge after the break.

Radja Nainggolan fired over from close range after Salah found him at the near post and it took a fine reflex save from Orestis Karnezis to keep out Dzeko’s connection with Emerson’s deep cross from the left.

Salah curled an effort just wide as the home side turned the screw and it was no surprise when they took the lead.

On-loan Brazilian full-back Bruno Peres played Dzeko in behind the back four and Udinese defender Danilo was lucky to stay on the pitch after sweeping the Bosnian’s legs from under him.

Perotti sent Karnezis the wrong way from the spot and repeated the trick ten minutes later after he had sent Salah racing into the box, where he was toppled by Badu’s clumsy challenge.

Former Manchester City striker Dzeko then opened his account with a simple tap-in from Nainggolan’s cross at full stretch.

Egyptian winger Salah deservedly got on the scoresheet six minutes from time when he got on the end of another fine cross from Emerson.

Greek keeper Karnezis saved at point-blank range, but the rebound fell kindly for Salah to poke home.