Paulo Dybala: Juventus star sheds tears in his last home game for the Serie A giants
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Nicolo Zaniolo was the difference maker as AS Roma beat Feyenoord in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday night.
The Italian forward pounced on a lofted pass over the top of the defence from Gianluca Mancini to lob the ball past Justin Bijlow in the 32nd minute.
The game had begun in an ugly fashion with off-the-pitch related incidences as fans clashed in the stadium. As soon as the game kicked off, Feyenoord were in the front foot, dictating possession with Roma struggling to adapt.
Paulo Dybala: Juventus star sheds tears in his last home game for the Serie A giants
FootballJose Mourinho's problems were further compounded when Henrikh Mikkitaryan went down on the turf after just 17 minutes. The former Manchester United man was just coming from a hamstring injury and had to be substituted. His place was taken by Sergio Oliveira.
Despite Feyenoord dominating possession, they failed to create any chances. Lorenzo Pellegrini remained Roma's biggest threat, threading in some key passes.
The deadlock was finally broken when Mancini lifted a delicious ball to find Zaniolo on the far post. The 22-year-old didn't need a second invitation to score the first-ever goal of a Conference League final.
After the break, Feyenoord returned with some energy, looking to equalize the proceedings. But a Roma defence marshalled by Rui Patricio stood firm. AS Roma sustained a period of intense pressure from the Dutch side.
Cyril Dessers the competition's top goalscorer thought he had equalized for his side but a world-class last-ditch tackle from Roger Ibanez denied the Nigerian. Roma had the chance to extend their lead late into the half but captain Lorenzo Pellegrini saw his effort parried away by Bijlow in the Feyenoord goal.
The victory now means that Jose Mourinho has now won every European final he has participated in.