In a breathtaking display of dominance, Roma catapulted themselves from the depths of the Serie A relegation zone to unprecedented heights with a resounding 7-0 victory over Empoli. This monumental win not only marked their first triumph of the Serie A season but also etched their name in the annals of modern Serie A history, equalling the record for the largest margin of victory in a single match.
The man of the hour was none other than the marquee signing of the summer, Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian striker, on loan from Chelsea, broke the ice with a clinical finish, opening his account for Roma in style. Lukaku’s arrival had ignited a spark of hope among the Giallorossi faithful, and he certainly didn’t disappoint. His contribution, combined with the dazzling display from Paulo Dybala, sent shockwaves through Empoli’s defense.
The first half was a masterclass in attacking prowess. Dybala, the Argentine maestro, converted a penalty with panache, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable match. Renato Sanches added to the tally with a powerful header, while poor Alberto Grassi inadvertently found the back of his own net, contributing to Empoli’s misery.
After the interval, Dybala continued to mesmerize the crowd, narrowly missing the target with a free-kick that struck the crossbar before adding a fourth goal that oozed class. Bryan Cristante then unleashed a thunderbolt from long range, leaving Empoli’s goalkeeper grasping at thin air. Lukaku, not content with just one goal, netted his second to make it six for Roma. Gianluca Mancini put the icing on the cake with a towering header, completing the comprehensive rout.
This stunning turnaround left manager Jose Mourinho beaming with pride. The Portuguese tactician and his squad had endured a rough start to the season, with critics circling like vultures after a meager point from their first three matches. Injuries to key players like Chris Smalling, Houssem Aouar, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Tammy Abraham had compounded their woes. However, in this match, Mourinho’s men showcased their mettle and silenced the doubters.
The victory was not just about Lukaku and Dybala; it marked the debut of Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun, adding yet another exciting dimension to Roma’s attacking arsenal. With their newfound momentum and depth, Roma seemed poised to climb even higher in the Serie A standings.
The historical significance of this win cannot be overstated. Only eight other times in Serie A history had a team won by a margin of 7-0 since the introduction of three points for a win in 1994. Interestingly, one of those memorable victories also took place at the Stadio Olimpico back in November 2006 when Roma dismantled Catania.
To find a more substantial victory margin, one has to venture back to the distant past, with Juventus’ 9-1 thrashing of Inter Milan in April 1961 standing as the last time an Italian team won by more than seven goals. Roma, on the other hand, had their own moment of glory when they embarrassed Napoli 8-0 two years earlier.
Even further back in the archives, there’s the incredible 9-0 victory over Cremonese in October 1929. Yet, the ultimate top-flight record remains Torino’s astonishing 10-0 triumph over Alessandria in May 1948, a record that still stands untouched.
Mourinho, the mastermind behind this memorable victory, had last tasted such a lopsided win when he led Real Madrid to an 8-1 demolition of Almeria in May 2011. As he looks ahead with renewed confidence, Mourinho’s vision for Roma’s future appears brighter than ever.
In the end, Roma’s performance wasn’t just a win; it was a spectacle that left fans and pundits alike in awe. The Giallorossi had not only found their stride but had also made history in the process. This monumental victory is a testament to the resilience and potential of a team that, under Mourinho’s guidance, is poised for greatness in Serie A.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Serie A Record Victory
Q: How significant is Roma’s 7-0 victory over Empoli in Serie A history?
A: Roma’s 7-0 victory over Empoli is highly significant in Serie A history as it equals the record for the largest margin of victory in a modern Serie A match. This remarkable win is a rare feat that only eight other teams have achieved since the introduction of the three-point system for wins in 1994.
Q: Who were the standout performers for Roma in this historic win?
A: Romelu Lukaku, the summer signing from Chelsea, and Paulo Dybala were the standout performers for Roma. Lukaku scored his first goal for the club in a composed fashion, while Dybala dazzled with a penalty and a classy fourth goal. Their contributions were instrumental in Roma’s resounding victory.
Q: How did Roma’s season start before this victory?
A: Roma’s season got off to a rocky start, as they had earned just one point from their first three matches in Serie A. Injuries to key players like Chris Smalling, Houssem Aouar, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Tammy Abraham had contributed to their struggles.
Q: Does this victory indicate a turnaround for Roma’s season?
A: Yes, this victory marks a significant turnaround for Roma’s season. Climbing from 18th to 12th in the Serie A standings, Roma displayed their potential and depth. With renewed confidence, they are now poised to build on this success and improve their position in the league.
Q: How does this victory compare to historical Serie A wins?
A: While this 7-0 victory is remarkable, it falls short of the all-time top-flight record of Torino’s 10-0 win over Alessandria in May 1948. Nonetheless, it is one of the largest margin victories since the introduction of the three-point system in 1994, and it matches the record for a modern Serie A match.
More about Serie A Record Victory
- Serie A Official Website
- Roma Official Website
- Romelu Lukaku Profile
- Paulo Dybala Profile
- Jose Mourinho Profile
- Serie A Historical Records
- Torino’s 10-0 Victory
1 comment
Never thot i’d c dybala in a soccer article! gr8 2 c diffrnt talent. go roma!