Roma ensured they headed off into the latest international break with a spring in their step, after a 4-1 win over Sampdoria on Sunday afternoon.

The Giallorossi took the lead early on - Juan Jesus stealing a goal off Bryan Cristante on the goalline - and never really looked back, eventually doubling their advantage shortly before the hour-mark through Patrik Schick.

Stephan El Shaarawy then scored twice in the closing stages - either side of a sumptuous Gregoire Defrel strike for the visitors - to wrap up the result.

Schick's goal could prove vital for his confidence but it was El Shaarawy who arguably scored the goal of the game for the hosts, as he curled in brilliantly from the edge of the box to beat the backpedalling Sampdoria goalkeeper Emil Audero.

Eusebio Di Francesco's side were always in control of the game after Jesus had broken the deadlock, although there was one moment of panic - as the referee briefly awarded a penalty to Sampdoria for a foul from Kostas Manolas on Gaston Ramirez.

However, a VAR Review saw that decision overturned - and Schick then scored just moments later to decisively turn the game in the Giallorossi's favour.

TEAM NEWS

Patrik Schick started alone in attack for the first time this season, with Justin Kluivert and Stephan El Shaarawy providing the support from the flanks.

Juan Jesus returned to central defence, while Alessandro Florenzi captained the side once again.

First half

2' - An early chance for Sampdoria, as Caprari sees his low drive tipped wide by Olsen.

17' - Cristante controls and shoots from just outside the box, but Audero makes the stop despite being slightly wrong-footed by a deflection.

20' - GOAL! ROMA LEAD! There's the breakthrough! Pellegrini's corner is met at the near-post by Cristante - the ball seems to be going in anyway but Juan Jesus just about gets the final touch right on the goalline!

32' - Bold defensive clearance from Kolarov - who heads an inswinging cross off his own near post and away...

34' - POST! This time at the right end, a brilliant run into the box from Kluivert is denied only by the near post, as his low shot ricochets clear. Audero perhaps got a crucial touch with his outstretched foot!

Second half

49' - Big challenge from Colley to deny Schick, as the striker threatens to get clear on goal...

55' - VAR - Sampdoria are originally awarded a penalty as Manolas is adjudged to have fouled Ramirez... but after a second look the referee overturns his decision!

59' - GOAL! 2-0! A striker's finish! Kolarov gets to the byline, Schick reads the movement brilliantly and arrives right on time for a simple tap-in! The lead is doubled!

66' - VAR - Another penalty chalked off - this time for us. Colley is adjudged to have blocked El Shaarawy's shot with his hand... but after another review the referee changes his mind again.

72' - GOAL! 3-0! Brilliant stuff from the forward! He makes a beautiful run into the box and tries to round Audero... the keeper parries the ball out but El Shaarawy collects it again before lofting a perfect strike into the top corner!

86' - Great save from Olsen to parry away a close-range header.

89' - Goal for Sampdoria. Defrel converts after a clever turn and finish inside the box. 3-1.

90' - GOAL. A slightly easier finish this time for El Shaarawy, as he converts after Audero spills a low cross into the box! 4-1, game over!

KEY MATCH STATISTICS

SOCIAL REACTION

ROMA REACTION

“We’ve found our balance and we’ve assimilated certain concepts. The boys prepared for today’s game very well indeed. We were up against a very aggressive side and, with a simple passing game, we managed to move them around the pitch. That’s what made the difference today.”

- Eusebio Di Francesco

“I’ve been needing a goal, it was great to get one and I’m pleased to have been able to help the team. I still need to get fully up to speed out there but I’m happy we won and to score. It will help me mentally, but I know I need to keep working. I know there will be other chances to come.”

- Patrik Schick

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Giallorossi now have the international break to contend with - before they return to Serie A action away to Udinese two weeks on Saturday.

Following that they welcome Real Madrid to the Stadio Olimpico for a vital game at the top of Group G in the Champions League.