Five things we learned from Roma 3-2 Sampdoria

Roma got back to winning ways with a stirring late triumph over Sampdoria on Sunday.

Our columnist looks at five key points from the contest...

Spalletti oversees stirring win in his 250th Roma game

It was fitting that Roma should celebrate Luciano Spalletti's 250th game in charge (over two spells) with a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Sampdoria.

Against his good friend, Sampdoria manager Marco Giampaolo, the Italian tactician's decisions to bring on Francesco Totti and Edin Dzeko in the second stanza (combined with his well-documented powers of motivation) were crucial in Roma being able to turn around the 2-1 deficit and claim all three points.

In particular, it was great to see Totti, whose relationship with Spalletti goes way back, play such a pivotal role in getting the win. Spalletti was duly full of praise for the great man in his post-match comments.

"We have lapses and then the captain puts them right,” he said. “I want four or five [Francesco] Tottis in this team.

"I’ve never seen him train with such enthusiasm. He loves this shirt and these fans.”

De Rossi's battle with Alvarez

Daniele De Rossi's captivating duel with Ricky Alvarez was an intriguing subplot throughout the contest. Although the Samp trequartista enjoyed some moments of joy, for the most part the dogged Roma destroyer did a tidy job of limiting his impact. De Rossi tracked him vigorously and made a point of imposing himself physically on the languid Argentine at every available opportunity.

Factoring in the 33-year-old's positional intelligence and astute ability to the read play, it was a reminder of how well De Rossi parlays brains and brawn.

Strootman’s defensive decision-making

Kevin Strootman once again got through a lot of work at the heart of midfield, with his insatiable appetite for the contest and willingness to do everything in his power to help his team shining brightly. Seeing as Sampdoria had an extra man in the centre of the park in their 4-3-1-2 formation in the first half, Strootman was ostensibly required to do the work of two men to keep Roma from getting overrun.

Radja Nainggolan tracked Karol Linetty and De Rossi took Alvarez, which left the Dutchman to make smart decisions on whether to mark Edgar Barreto or Lucas Torreira depending on the situation. While he did receive help from Perotti, who would regularly drop back and support him, Strootman did a great job of choosing who to pick up to nullify the most pressing threat.

The numbers back up that perception: his seven tackles, four interceptions and one clearance served as a testament to his tireless work rate and his efficient, effective defensive contribution.

Dzeko's introduction changes the dynamic

Much like Totti, the Bosnian hitman came on and had a profound influence on the fixture. Linking up brilliantly with Totti, Dzeko's runs in behind and crisp work in possession provided further menace to the Samp backline.

Scoring a wonderfully well-taken goal and securing the game-winning penalty – converted by Totti – for his team, those two moments were tangible reward for his tremendous cameo.

Dzeko, a much maligned figure last season, now brings his tally to two goals and one assist already this term – contributing in one of those ways in all three of Roma's league matches so far.

Totti the game-changer

Francesco Totti's introduction at half-time injected the creativity and quality that Roma needed to instigate their stirring second half comeback. Aside from scoring the crucial 93rd minute penalty to win the game for his beloved club, he also supplied a splendid, lofted through ball assist for Dzeko to level the score.

With five goals and three assists in his last eight Serie A matches, the man who turns 40 in two weeks is emphatically showing why age is no barrier for him.

In addition, his goal means he has now scored in every one of his last 23 seasons with the Giallorossi – a remarkable record.

“It was the first time I’ve been afraid of missing, because crowning the match with a goal and an assist was the perfect ending. But I couldn’t miss in front of the Curva, in front of my people," he insisted after the match.

"I try to do my part and contribute, just like I’ve been doing for 25 years around here."