Paulo Dybala scored his first two goals in the Roma jersey to set the scene for a 3-0 demolition of Monza, who remain rock bottom.
The Giallorossi wanted to keep the momentum going even without injured Nicolò Zaniolo, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ebrima Darboe. Monza were already threatening to sack Giovanni Stroppa after starting their first ever Serie A campaign with three straight defeats, though Matteo Pessina was finally ready to start, losing Andrea Ranocchia, Marco D’Alessandro and Pablo Mari.
The deadlock was broken with a route one goal, because Tammy Abraham’s header flicked on the long ball from inside his own half, it sent Dybala running between two defenders and he took a couple of touches before smashing into the net from just inside the box. It was La Joya’s first goal in the Roma jersey.
Marash Kumbulla went off with a thigh injury after just 27 minutes, replaced by Chris Smalling,
Roma doubled their lead with another Dybala goal. Again, there was a ball over the top from the midfield, Abraham spun Luca Marrone and forced a one-handed save from Michele Di Gregorio, but Dybala was ready on the rebound. That was also the former Juventus striker’s 100th Serie A goal.
Andrea Petagna’s header was deflected wide and a Dybala attempt smothered on Lorenzo Pellegrini’s assist, while Abraham had a double opportunity charged down after dribbling away from Marlon.
Roger Ibanez got a bullet header to the Pellegrini corner for 3-0, Andrea Belotti came on for his Roma debut in the final minutes and would’ve scored with a volley at the back post if not for Di Gregorio’s desperate reaction save.
There was another injury in stoppages for Stephan El Shaarawy and one more excellent Di Gregorio save on Leonardo Spinazzola.
Roma 3-0 Monza
Dybala 18, 32 (R), Ibanez 61 (R)
Almost had a forth goal by Belotti after he subbed in. This team is cruising so far, not sure if they are legit title contenders, but they should make it interesting.