Watch as Jose Mourinho’s Roma dig deep to secure all three points against a fired up Empoli, a match where Paulo Dybala proved to be the difference maker.
The Giallorossi knew that a positive result was needed after back to back losses to Udinese and Ludogorets, and the Argentinian star did enough to ensure his new team went home to the Italian capital with a win. A first half goal by Filippo Bandinelli ultimately only proved to be a consolation after an edgy affair in Tuscany.
Although Empoli saw slightly more of the ball, 53% to Roma’s 47%, their efforts on goal were far less fruitful, with the home side only producing an xG of 1.00 from their 20 shots. The Giallorossi may have only had 13 attempts but their xG of 3.09 suggested that the victory was well deserved, even if Lorenzo Pellegrini’s penalty inflated the numbers a little.
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro was shown a red card in the final few minutes after a reckless challenge on Chris Smalling.