Opinion: Five things we learned from Roma v Chievo

Luciano Spalletti’s Roma side extended their unbeaten run to 16 games on Sunday with an impressive three-nil victory over Chievo. Here’s five things we learned from the game.

1. Roma absolutely dominated possession

The Giallorossi were able enjoy a remarkable 65% of possession against Chievo Verona and Spalletti's clever approach to heavily populate central areas worked wonders in his outfit being able to persistently manipulate and unlock their defensively geared opposition. By Spalletti instructing his wingers, Mohamed Salah and Stephan El Shaarawy, to drift infield and Diego Perotti to drop deep from his central attacking position, this meant Roma always had plenty of central options to utilise. This allowed the players to comfortably maintain possession, with the tactic ensuring the home team always had a teammate available within close proximity to find.

2. Totti capped his 600th appearance in fitting style

Francesco Totti celebrated his 600th Serie A appearance in fitting fashion - coming off the bench to supply a sublime assist for Roma’s third goal. In front of a packed Olimpico, there was no better way to mark the occasion. Moreover, Totti's assist now means he's scored four goals and laid on two assists in his last six matches as the 39-year-old has emphatically proven why he's such a valuable, game changing weapon for Luciano Spalletti's side.

3. The roll of the fullbacks was vital on Sunday

With Roma having so many numbers in central areas, which subsequently forced the visitors to defend very compactly, the role of Roma's fullbacks, Lucas Digne and Alessandro Florenzi, was vital in giving the side essential width.

The energetic pair made great use of the space afforded to them too, as they constantly galloped forward to join in attacks, with their speed and dynamism causing their adversaries plenty of headaches. In addition, they also performed their defensive duties with diligence and aggression, in a match where Spalletti would've been hugely pleased with their all-round efforts.

4. Rudiger getting better with every game

Antonio Rudiger continued his ever-improving season by putting in yet another accomplished defensive performance. Operating as Roma's left-sided central defender, alongside the exceptional Kostas Manolas, who he's forged an impressive partnership with, Rudiger's physicality, athleticism and intelligence saw him able to deal with the likes of Sergio Pellissier and Antonio Floro Flores with a great deal of comfort.

Scoring Roma's second goal with a towering back post header served as the perfect accompaniment to his excellent body of work.

The versatile German international's progression under Spalletti has been very encouraging. After a turbulent beginning to life in Rome, it's great to see him now reaping the rewards for all his perseverance and hard work.

"[My form] makes me really happy,” he said after the game. “It's true, there was a bit of scepticism at the start of the season but I didn't let it get to me, I stayed determined. For me, the main thing is that the coach has faith in me.”

5. Spalletti and his players deserve credit

Since Spalletti took over the managerial reigns, his impact has been tremendous. He's lead his troops to 13 wins, four draws and just one loss in the league.

Roma’s crucial 3-0 win over Chievo incredibly extended the club's undefeated streak to 16 game and was also the 10th time the Giallorossi have scored three or more goals in a game under his tenure.

Spalletti insisted vehemently that his side deserves far more credit for their incredible turnaround than they're currently getting.

"There hasn't been any recognition at all,” he declared. “If you go back and think about all those games we had to play with Inter and Fiorentina in front of us, it was really hard to imagine us tackling this run of games so calmly.

"The players deserve a huge compliment for their approach and professionalism, a quality which isn't always easy to find.

"I'd like to thank them because looking at the stats, our numbers are impressively high. You need to put in the hard yards to hit that mountain of numbers and the squad doesn't always get thanked for what they have achieved."