ROMA starting XI (4-3-2-1): Svilar, Celik (subbed for Zalewski), Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino, Cristante (subbed for Le Fee), Paredes (subbed for Baldanzi), Pellegrini, Dybala, Soule’ (subbed for Shomurodov), Dovbyk
Bench: Marin, Ryan, Joao Costa, Smalling, Dahl, Sangarè, Nardin, Bove, Pisilli, Abraham, El Shaaraw
Goals: Shomurodov 80’
EMPOLI starting XI (3-4-2-1): Vasquez, Walukiewicz, Ismajli, Viti, Gyasi, Henderson, Maleh (subbed for Haas), Pezzella (subbed for Cacace), Fazzini (subbed for Ekong), Solbakken (subbed for Esposito), Colombo (subbed for Stojanovic)
Bench: Seghetti, Brancolini, Goglichidze, Guarino, Marianucci, Shpendi
Goals: Gyasi 45’, Colombo 61’ (Pen)
Roma had 73 per cent possession and created 16 chances to Empoli’s 11.
After creating a number of decent chances throughout the first half, Empoli finally broke the deadlock on the cusp of half time.
Emmanuel Gyasi’s back post run was fruitful as a flick on header by Lorenzo Colombo set him up to finish past the diving Mile Svilar in the Roma goal.
Five minutes after the break saw Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini rattle the crossbar with a ferocious shot from just inside the box.
Empoli doubled their lead on the hour mark when Lorenzo Colombo converted a penalty awarded for a clumsy challenge on Sebastian Esposito.
Roma halved the deficit with ten minutes of regular time remaining thanks to a thunderous header by substitute Eldor Shomurodov, thank to the cross by Tommaso Baldanzi.
It wasn’t to be Roma’s night, however, as Daniele De Rossi’s side continue their underwhelming start to the season after last week’s scoreless draw away to Cagliari.
Empoli have started the season brightly with four points from a possible six.
