Four Things We Learned: VAR controversy overshadows Zaniolo display

A positive result despite injury list

Fighting back twice to ultimately earn a deserved point, an under-manned Roma deserve immense credit for the spirit, determination and defiance they showed in the 2-2 draw with Inter Milan.

Having yet again been on the wrong side of VAR - when a review wasn't called upon when Nicolo Zaniolo should've been awarded a first-half penalty - before later rightly benefiting from the system, it was certainly a match shrouded in controversy.

Although it wasn't a flawless outing from the Giallorossi, gaining a vital point while showing many glimpses of their quality and proving their commitment in front of their home fans, who encouragingly gave them a standing ovation after the final whistle, offered much reason for optimism.

Zaniolo proves his class

Lining up against his former team, Zaniolo put in a wonderful shift from his attacking midfield station. Building on his promising start to the season, the youngster showcased what a special talent he is. Bringing plenty of energy and intensity, he was a key protagonist in much of Roma's best attacking work.

Technically astute, Zaniolo’s crisp passing, crafty dribbling and ability to hold up possession was vital in connecting and animating Roma's offensive moves. In addition, his strength, agility and dynamic acceleration only served to compound his threat to Inter.

He took up some really smart positions off the ball too, where he intelligently occupied locations between the lines, in the half spaces and when embarking on runs in behind.

To touch on his defensive exertions, and he pressed with vigour, applied his challenges with force and bravely challenged any aerial duels, in what was a well rounded outing by the Italian.

An impressed Francesco Totti duly offered praise for the 19-year-old in his post-match comments.

“He looks like a seasoned pro – he plays with simplicity and ease. He’s showing how good he is – he’s explosive, strong and has good technique. The boy has what’s needed to become a top player," Totti said.

Pressing scheme solid

Eusebio Di Francesco’s well-calculated pressing strategy was executed nicely by his troops to regularly stifle Inter's attempts to progress through the thirds. Mixing their time between a high press and being organised in a mid block, they were especially effective in the latter.

Even though Inter enjoyed a 3v2 priority in their first line, Patrik Schick and Zaniolo managed these situations competently. Depending on the side Inter moved the ball towards, one would press the first recipient (typically an Inter centre back) and make sure to block the route from where the ball came. The other would then mark dropping midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.

Roma's near-side winger then marked their full back, the two central midfielders in Bryan Cristante and Steven Nzonzi then tracked Joao Mario and Borja Valero and Roma's fullbacks monitored their winger.

All this consequently forced Inter to one side and limited their ability to switch the play as Roma hemmed them in, which caused them to play risky passes or low percentage long balls, which enabled Roma to win the ball back on multiple occasions.

Joy found in wide areas

Seeing as Inter dropped back into what was ostensibly a narrow 4-1-4-1 shape, this left inherent spaces out wide for Roma to exploit. With Inter's wingers content to stay in their shape and Luciano Spalletti instructing his fullbacks to stay tight to their winger, Roma's fullbacks subsequently had some vast spaces to charge into due to Roma's wide men typically venturing infield.

Despite not always being used, Davide Santon’s and Aleksandar Kolarov's bursts stretched the Nerazzurri backline both horizontally and vertically to unbalance the away side.

Once in possession out wide, they then attempted to whip in a cross or cutback, as Roma usually had four players attacking the box ready to latch onto any deliveries.