Roma 4-0 Basaksehir: Zaniolo stars in rout

Roma got off to a winning start in the Europa League on Thursday night, as they breezed to a 4-0 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir at the Stadio Olimpico.

Nicolo Zaniolo and Edin Dzeko were the two stars of the show, the guy creating goals for each other after a Junior Caicara own goal had opened up the game on the stroke of half-time.

Justin Kluivert added a fine goal at the death to make it successive four-goal games for the Giallorossi.

In truth the Giallorossi had not looked particularly threatening for much of the first half – but that unfortunate strike, aided by Leonardo Spinazzola’s drilled cross, set the table for a much more imposing second half display.

It was Zaniolo who particularly impressed, the youngster dominating from his right-wing post and, eventually, getting his reward as a scintillating solo run ended with a simple tap-in for Dzeko.

Moments later the striker returned the favour, as his measured pass allowed the No. 22 to find the bottom corner in style.

The Giallorossi are back in Europa League action later in the month, as they visit Wolfsberg – who also won their opening game, away to Borussia Monchengladbach.

After the impressive first-half display against Sassuolo at the weekend, this was another encouraging 90 minutes for Paulo Fonseca’s side, even if the Turkish visitors enjoyed more than their share of a threat in the first 35 minutes.

Nevertheless, Roma never really looked like conceding in that time – and in the second half they able to exert complete control over the contest.

Amadou Diawara and Spinazzola both made their first starts for the club, while there was also a debut for Nikola Kalinic – who had one great chance to score – as a late replacement for Dzeko.

The Giallorossi now turn their attention back to Serie A – as they face Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Sunday.

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