Ciro Immobile scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot, sending goalkeeper Manuel Neuer the wrong way in the 69th minute after Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off for a late challenge on Gustav Isaksen.
“Playing matches like this gives you so many emotions and sharing it with these fans is what we dream of as children,” Immobile said.
The serial Bundesliga champions, who arrived in Rome on the back of a damaging 3-0 defeat to title rivals Bayer Leverkusen, dominated first-half possession but were unable to capitalise, with deadly forward Harry Kane largely starved of service.
Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala each went close for the six-time European champions before Immobile’s spot-kick settled the contest.
“It’s been a tough week,” Kane told TNT Sports.
“The second half was disappointing, we came out with less energy, less confidence.
“There were too many balls given away and ultimately, we got punished.
“We have to find it amongst ourselves, we have to find more energy. We are still in the race for the Bundesliga and still in this tie.”
Bayern took to social media after the match to condemn racist abuse directed at Upamecano.
“FC Bayern strongly condemn the racist comments being directed towards Dayot Upamecano on social media,” Bayern posted on X.
“Anyone who comments hateful words such as these is no fan of our club. We’re all behind you, Upa!”.
AAP
