Ola Solbakken was quickly on the scoresheet in his first Roma start, earning praise from the Italian press, who drew an amusing comparison with Nicolo Zaniolo.
The 24-year-old Norwegian winger signed a four and a half year contract with the Giallorossi last month after joining on a free transfer, arriving just over a year after he netted three goals in two games against the Roman outfit.
Solbakken was limited to cameo appearances for his first few weeks in Rome but was handed a starting spot by Jose Mourinho for the clash with Hellas Verona, where he scored in the winner in the dying minutes of the first half.
La Gazzetta dello Sport didn’t ignore the various mistakes made by Solbakken on his first Roma start but highlighted how “the great goal unlocked and sanctified him.”
Corriere dello Sport called it the “debut of dreams” and drew comparisons with his brief ex-teammate Nicolo Zaniolo, saying: “Maybe he has the wind in his sails, he has already equalled Zaniolo’s goal total in the league.”
Tuttosport underlined how it took a little while for the 24-year-old to settle into his first start, but eventually turned things around, commenting: “Shy and awkward in the beginning, explosive close to half-time.”
Solbakken’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
Gazzetta dello Sport: 6.5
Corriere dello Sport: 7
Tuttosport: 7