China / Sports

Dzeko roaring at Roma

By Associated Press in Rome (China Daily) Updated: 2017-02-09 14:39

Edin Dzeko is going from strength to strength in his second season in Italy, scoring twice as Roma beat Fiorentina 4-0 in Serie A on Tuesday.

Dzeko took over the scoring lead with 17 goals - more than double the number he managed in a miserable first campaign in Italy after his switch from Manchester City.

"We'll see. There are still a lot of matches to play," Dzeko said when asked if he was targeting Europe's Golden Shoe top scorer award.

"It seemed like an easy victory but it wasn't," the Bosnian added.

"They had us in difficulty in the first half, then we did well after the first goal.

"I feel good, we're working hard and you can see that on the pitch. Today we played well against a strong team, we gave everything we had."

The victory was Roma's 14th straight in the league at home, breaking a team record that had stood since 1930.

Federico Fazio and Radja Nainggolan also netted as Roma moved back two points above Napoli into second spot, four behind leader Juventus.

Fazio also proved crucial at the other end of the pitch, with a goalline clearance to deny Federico Chiesa in the 14th minute.

That was Fiorentina's only real scoring chance as Roma began to take control.

The home side had several opportunities and should have taken the lead in the 29th when Nainggolan found an unmarked Bruno Peres with an exquisite chipped pass, but the Brazilian defender incredibly fired over the bar.

Roma led 10 minutes later following a brilliant Daniele De Rossi delivery over the top, which Dzeko controlled on his chest before turning and slamming a shot into the bottom left corner.

It was the first time Dzeko has scored in five straight matches since 2009.

De Rossi also set up Roma's second, shortly before the hour, with a freekick that Fazio headed in for his first Serie A goal.

Roma extended its lead in the 75th minute through a superb counter attack. Dzeko, De Rossi and Kevin Strootman all linked up before Strootman picked out Nainggolan, who controlled and calmly finished it off.

Dzeko doubled his tally seven minutes from time, snatching possession off Fiorentina defender Davide Astori and breaking in to fire past Ciprian Tatarusanu.

 Dzeko roaring at Roma

Roma's Edin Dzeko celebrates his second goal against Fiorentina on Tuesday.Max Rossi / Reuters

Highlights
Hot Topics