As Roma booked their place in the Conference League final against Leicester City. Harmless Foxes were one goal too many in the semi-final second leg.
Roma coach José Mourinho made six changes after the 0-0 draw with Bologna. Among others, Smalling, captain Pellegrini and top striker Abraham returned.
Leicester coach Brendan Rodgers went one better than the 3-1 defeat at Tottenham, with only keeper and captain Schmeichel remaining in the starting line-up.
Abraham scores early with head
In front of their home fans, Roma started well and had the first chance to score through Pellegrini, whose free-kick was saved by Schmeichel (8th). Shortly afterwards, it was another Pellegrini standard that led to an early goal: Abraham headed a corner from the right into the net (11th).
All the goals were saved by Pellegrini.
However, the goal was not the initial spark. The match was similar to the 1-1 draw in the first leg: Roma controlled the game through good work against the ball, while the Foxes did little to counter it. Consequently, the score remained 1-0 at the break, also because Pellegrini had missed the only other chance to score (16th).
Second half without highlights
After the break, despite two changes and a tactical switch to a three-man backline, Leicester were still in the same position. The visitors struggled but could not find a dangerous goal for Roma, who were controlled and composed and avoided taking risks. The only highlight of the second half was the standing ovation for ex-coach Claudio Ranieri, who was visible on the video screen.
The second half was correspondingly tedious, and it took until the 79th minute before Leicester had their first shot on goal – which caused Rui Patricio no problems whatsoever. In the final minutes, Roma completely shifted to defending and managed to hold on for the win and a place in the final.
Roma will face Feyenoord in the final in Tirana on 25 May. In Serie A, the Giallorossi play at Florence on Monday (20.45). Leicester host Everton in the Premier League on Sunday (3pm)
