Roma 0-1 Sampdoria: Match report, reaction and key statistics

Zapata scored 10 minutes from time to break the deadlock for the visitors, in a game where Roma saw a penalty saved and Sampdoria goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano make countless other important saves.

Roma rode their luck at times - with Alisson Becker making a number of eye-catching saves, particularly in the first half - but had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot, only for Alessandro Florenzi to see his attempt saved.

The Giallorossi responded positively to that setback in the second half, however, and gradually began to dominate play. But Viviano proved equal to everything sent at him, setting the stage for Zapata's strike on the counter to seal the win.

The result means Roma remain fifth in the Serie A standings, having failed to capitalise on a defeat for Lazio and draw for Inter Milan elsewhere on the day.

Team selection

Eusebio Di Francesco made two changes from the side that faced Sampdoria in Genoa in midweek, with Juan Jesus coming in for Federico Fazio in defence and Stephan El Shaarawy replacing the injured Patrik Schick.

Alessandro Florenzi once again captained the side, with Edin Dzeko leading the line in attack.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

9' - Caprari bends a dangerous-looking effort wide of the far post.

17' - Great double intervention from Alisson. First he tips over Ramirez's dangerous deep shot then, from the resulting corner, he tips Barreto's pinpoint strike around the post.

27' - Alisson saves and holds as Zapata hits a low strike from the edge of the box.

29' - Another Zapata shot, this time from an acute angle, is kept out by Alisson. From subsequent corners, Torreira and Barreto both force the Brazilian into straightforward stops.

30' - Pellegrini rises to meet Kolarov's cross but cannot direct his header on target.

38' - PENALTY TO ROMA! Cengiz's shot is charged down by Bereszynski's arm, and the referee points to the spot!

39' - NO! Viviano saves Florenzi's powerful strike.

41' - Viviano makes another good save, this time from El Shaarawy's first-time half-volley at the far post.

43' - Cengiz volleys narrowly over the crossbar after a good run and cross from Radja. A determined response from Roma after the penalty save.

44' - Incredible double intervention from Alisson: Sampdoria counter quickly but he denies Caprari from point-blank range, before diving across brilliantly to prevent the forward putting in the rebound.

See more images in our dedicated match gallery.

SECOND HALF

49' - Good save from Viviano to palm away Pellegrini's powerful effort.

50' - CLOSE! Viviano uses his face to stop Cengiz's close-range effort from Florenzi's cross, and then from the rebound El Shaarawy cannot quite beat the defender to poke the ball home!

55' - Another great Viviano save, this time as Pellegrini latches onto El Shaarawy's cutback and drives a shot at goal.

60' - Much better from Roma. Florenzi and Pellegrini combine to release the latter into the Sampdoria box, he cuts back for Dzeko who fires straight at Viviano!

70' - Another good move involving Florenzi and El Shaarawy - this time Pellegrini blasts wide from inside the box.

80' - Goal. Sampdoria take the lead. Zapata latches onto Kownacki's cross and turns home from inside the six-yard box. 0-1.

Key match statistics

See more game statistics in our dedicated match centre.

Social media reaction

Roma reaction

"We played much better in the second half, we were creating lots of chances - and then we conceded a goal from their first shot on goal of the half. Once again we created a lot of chances, but we weren't able to finish them off."

- Eusebio Di Francesco

“Certainly, if we had scored [the penalty] it would have changed the game and, of course, I take all the responsibility for that. I got it wrong, unfortunately, but it’s happened now.“We certainly tried to make up for it after, but unfortunately at the moment we are in a bit of a tunnel and we can’t see the light. We absolutely need to turn things around, as we have done in the past. We created a lot of chances once again tonight, but we need that little bit of good fortune. And it has to come soon.”

- Alessandro Florenzi

What's next?

The Giallorossi now have a week to prepare for their next test - an away game against Hellas Verona.

The next game at the Olimpico is against Benevento in two weeks' time.

ROMA 0-1 SAMPDORIA

Goalscorers: Zapata (80')

Roma: Alisson; Florenzi, Manolas, J. Jesus, Kolarov; Strootman, Nainggolan, Pellegrini (Defrel); Cengiz (Perotti), Dzeko, El Shaarawy (Antonucci).

Sampdoria: Viviano; Bereszynski, Ferrari, Silvestre, Murru; Torreira, Linetty, Barreto; Ramirez; Caprari, Zapata.