Four Things We Learned: De Rossi wills Roma over the line

Massive away win obtained

With Claudio Ranieri, Diego Perotti and Nicolo Zaniolo all mentioning how Roma needed to build on their midweek draw with Fiorentina, the Giallorossi did just that by defeating Sampdoria 1-0.

In a performance full of determination, spirit and character, the Daniele De Rossi-led Roma vitally kept a clean sheet on their way to ending their three-match winless streak.

A delighted Ranieri duly highlighted his team's stirring attitude in his post-match comments, asserting: “That's the mentality every team needs. You need players who work hard for each other and we did that tonight against an excellent Sampdoria side.

"We knew they moved the ball around quickly with one or two touches and it was really tough because they have quality players but I must say the lads were excellent.”

The fantastic result away from home against Marco Giampaolo's entertaining, high octane side now moves the Giallorossi to within one point of fourth-placed AC Milan, after the Rossoneri succumbed to Juventus.

De Rossi's brilliance

Roma's inspirational captain was an integral component towards Roma securing a much needed victory. Stamping his mark on the contest with his fearless approach and tenacity in the challenge, the 35-year-old set the tone wonderfully for his teammates to follow.

Operating with toughness and intelligence, the Italian did a fantastic job of breaking up attacks, supporting his backline and organising his team defensively, as Roma registered a long awaited clean sheet.

Meanwhile, on the attacking end, his smart movement to generate numerical superiority in build-up and exceptional passing, that regularly saw him situated ideally to bypass the opposition's pressing scheme, enabled him to dictate the tempo and breathe life into Roma's offensive moves.

So composed and calm, his head scans prior to receiving possession were key, for this meant he knew where his teammates and opponents were positioned before obtaining the ball, thus enhancing the quality of actions.

Capping off his strong body of work by scoring the winner, Ranieri was full of praise for Roma's midfield general in his post-match comments.

"Daniele is the heart and soul of this team," Ranieri said.

"The captain. He gets himself and others fired up. He's a leader and I need leaders and people who care about this club. They all follow his example and that's important for me, for Roma and for the club."

Pressing structure implemented superbly

Knowing Sampdoria would always attempt to pass out from the back in their customary 4-4-2 diamond/4-3-1-2 formation, Ranieri devised an astute pressing strategy to limit their effectiveness. To start with, Patrik Schick would typically press Lorenzo Tonelli while Lorenzo Pellegrini would mark holding midfielder Ronaldo Vieira.

Then, Roma's wingers would be in intermediate positions in the half spaces so they could monitor Sampdoria number eights, Dennis Praet and Karol Linetty, plus have access to harry their respective full-back if they received possession.

Importantly, when one of the wingers jumped to press a Samp full-back, one of Bryan Cristante or De Rossi would shift across to mark the ball near Samp midfielder to maintain coverage and close off a potential pass route.

The buzzing movement of trequartista Riccardo Saponara was typically monitored by De Rossi, who did a sound job of keeping tabs on the nifty playmaker when he checked deep towards the ball carrier.

Another key element was how Pellegrini and Schick worked so cohesively, as when Pellegrini would press the opposite central defender, Schick would quickly drop back and across to cover Vieira.

Sharply making adjustments to different scenarios and doing a successful job of angling their pressing to eliminate pass lanes behind them, the front duo's exertions here were crucial.

Displaying immense tactical discipline and awareness, Roma's pressing strategy was implemented superbly to stifle the progressive Blucerchiati.

"Pellegrini's job was to harry their deepest midfielder so we always had one less in midfield. I like wingers who push up when we have the ball and close down when we lose it," noted Ranieri.

"I prefer to spread play out wide. Samp are good at playing between the lines and I must praise my wide players and central midfielders. They put in a great deal of running, closed off lots of attacks and got forward well. Our defenders deserve a special mention too.”

Manolas imperious

Roma's Greek warrior, Kostas Manolas, was again at his domineering best, in a match where he played a significant role in limiting the impact of Serie A's leading goalscorer, Fabio Quagliarella.

Undertaking his duties with physicality, intensity and force, the fearsome stopper made life extremely difficult for not only the evergreen Quagliarella but also strike partner and Roma loanee Gregoire Defrel.

Responding rapidly to pressing triggers like when his marker dropped deep or received in an open body shape, Manolas immediately got touchtight to ensure they couldn't enjoy an easy first touch.

Also excelling in aerial duels, where his ability to time his leap, pick up the ball's trajectory and adjust his body to meet the ball desirably proved crucial in him clearing danger frequently.

His pace and capacity to track his markers' runs served him notably too, with him recognising their movements early to jet back and be wary of any bursts in behind.

In addition, this meant he could ably support his defensive partner in Federico Fazio, as the pair were back to the level of performances they consistently offered up last season.

By the numbers, his colossal 15 interceptions, nine clearances, two tackles and six ball recoveries accentuated what a commanding presence he was.

All statistics provided by InStat.