Roma 3-1 Chievo: Match report, reaction and key statistics

El Shaarawy curled home from a free-kick on the stroke of half-time to get the side back on level terms after Jonathan De Guzman had scored for the visitors against the run of play, before his bursting run helped the Giallorossi take the lead minutes after the restart.

Substitute Diego Perotti then scored from the penalty spot – after being brought down himself – to wrap things up in the 90th minute, ensuring the three points and sending fans away for Christmas with an early present.

It was far from Roma's best home performance of the year, but at least it ended in victory. In truth Chievo created little throughout the 90 minutes, scoring from their one clear chance as De Guzman stole in ahead of Bruno Peres to head home.

That seemed to stir the hosts, although they initially struggled to create great chances, with Chievo goalkeeper Sorrentino proving equal to any of the more speculative efforts that were thrust his way.

That changed on the stroke of half-time, however, as El Shaarawy lined up 25 yards from goal and put in a perfect strike that had the goalkeeper completely beaten. As a result Spalletti's side entered the break with confidence and momentum - and they would come back out in a similar vein.

This time El Shaarawy turned provider, driving into the box with the ball before feeding Dzeko for a simple tap in.

Chievo tried to push forward for an equaliser but in truth they were easily warded off by Federico Fazio and his fellow defenders - and, when Perotti does what he does best in the last minutes of the match, the victory was assured.

Team selection

Luciano Spalletti's plans were rather thrown up in the air by a variety of injuries and absences, but the availability of Radja Nainggolan, Mohamed Salah and Bruno Peres after recent injury scares meant all three could be restored to the starting line-up.

With all those in action the boss opted for a 3-4-3 shape, with Peres and Emerson Palmieri wide in midfield and Thomas Vermaelen joining Antonio Rudiger and Federico Fazio in defence.

Stephan El Shaarawy started in attack alongside Salah and Edin Dzeko.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

9’ – An early Rudiger header is comfortable for the Chievo goalkeeper.

11’ – Dzeko goes for the spectacular from a tight angle, but is unable to find the target.

12’ – El Shaarawy stings the palms of Sorrentino with a low volley that the keeper has to push wide.

18’ – Salah gets on the end of a Peres cross but he cannot direct his header on target.

20’ – Radja goes for the 25-yard piledriver but his shot is always high and rising.

22’ – Good chance for Chievo – the Roma defence is exposed and De Guzman scuffs wide when he should do better.

23’ – At the other end, El Shaarawy forces another good save from Sorrentino.

27’ – Bruno Peres clips the outside of the post from a free-kick. Nearly!

35’ – A great touch from El Shaarawy releases Dzeko, whose dipping drive nearly fools the goalkeeper.

37’ – Goal. Chievo lead. A deep cross is met by De Guzman, who heads beyond Szczesny. 0-1.

40’ – Frustration grows as Roma struggle to create clear openings. Dzeko scuffs at a sight of goal but is adjudged to be offside.

45’ – GOAL! ROMA EQUALISE! El Shaarawy wins the free-kick and then takes it, curling a beauty into the top corner! 1-1!

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See more images in our match gallery.

SECOND HALF

52’ – GOAL! ROMA LEAD! El Shaarawy is again at the heart of it, as dashes into the box and, after his first cross is blocked, wins the follow-up before slotting for Dzeko to turn home! 2-1!

58’ – So close from Peres! He goes for glory from 30 yards and only misses the far post by inches!

69’ – Rigoni goes for goal but Fazio charges it down at source.

72’ – Peres wants a penalty after being bundled over in the box … but the referee says no.

75’ – POST! After sustained pressure Peres crosses for Dzeko, whose header hits the outside of the post!

82’ – Two close calls for the Giallorossi, as Dzeko narrowly fails to find the finishing touch from good crosses.

83’ – SAVED! El Shaarawy robs his man and plays in Dzeko, whose shot is blocked by Sorrentino with his foot. From the corner Rudiger heads narrowly wide.

90’ – HOW DID THAT NOT GO IN?! Sorrentino makes another good stop to block Dzeko’s chipped finish … and then Perotti flashes over with the goal gaping.

90’ – PENALTY! Perotti dances past Costa, and is brought down inside the box. The referee points to the spot immediately!

90’ – GOAL! NO MISTAKE FROM PEROTTI! 3-1! VICTORY!

Key match statistics

See more match statistics in our match centre.

Social media reaction

Roma reaction

“I’m always trying to score. It was the first free kick I’ve taken in a proper match and it turned out well. I’ve always remained calm and accepted the coach’s decisions – I want to thank him for everything. I feel relaxed and all I’m trying to do is to keep moving forward and giving my all.”

- Stephan El Shaarawy

"It was a delicately poised match, but they showed professionalism and determination. Right from the first minute, they showed they wanted the three points and they made sure they got them by playing with quality and competitiveness.”

- Luciano Spalletti

What's next?

That's it for 2016 for the Giallorossi - the season resumes on 8 January 2017 for Spalletti and his team as they travel to face Genoa.

ROMA 3-1 CHIEVO

Goalscorers: El Shaarawy (45'), Dzeko (52'), Perotti (p. 90'); De Guzman (37')

Roma: Szczesny; Rudiger, Fazio, Vermaelen; Peres, Strootman, Nainggolan, Emerson; Salah (Perotti), Dzeko (Iturbe), El Shaarawy.

Chievo: Sorrentino; Izco (Costa), Dainelli, Gamberini, Frey; De Guzman, Radovanovic, Rigoni; Birsa (Bastien); Meggiorini, Inglese (Pellissier).