Four Things We Learned: Kolarov controls matters

On cruise control

A more comfortable evening the Giallorossi could scarcely have imagined, as they defeated lowly SPAL 6-1 in what was Paulo Fonseca's biggest win since taking over the managerial post in the capital.

Using the chance to rotate his team for this one, the move paid dividends for the Portuguese boss, with the likes of Carles Perez, Nikola Kalinic, Chris Smalling and Bryan Cristante producing strong performances.

Absolutely battering the already relegated Biancazzurri, Roma were unstoppable on their way to a smashing away triumph.

A delighted Fonseca couldn't hide his joy with the result, explaining: "The players were aggressive and showed the attitude they needed to in order to win. We have some very tired players who have played in pretty much all of the last few games but tonight we were able to rotate a bit, during the game as well – that’s important.

"There were a lot of positives. Smalling came back and did well, as did Zaniolo. Kolarov played well, Bruno is improving – they are all important things for the team."

Centre backs add impetus going forward

With SPAL regularly dropping back into a deep block, hoping to clog up central areas and make life difficult for Roma to unlock them, the way Roma's outside central defenders, Aleksandar Kolarov and Gianluca Mancini, pushed upfield was crucial.

Recognising the huge openings in the half spaces to drive upfield and carry the ball into, the two took full advantage by dribbling ahead to give Roma vital overloads and extra numbers going forward (as can be seen in their heat maps below).

This subsequently posed questions of SPAL's defensive organisation, with them often getting drawn out of shape by Mancini and Kolarov's presence, which then created a free man for Roma to find.

Moreover, the fact they enjoyed so much time and space served Kolarov especially well, for he was able to assess his options thoroughly before using his supreme distribution to breathe life into attacks.

Not only did he launch some amazing crossfield diagonals to the wingbacks, but he also broke the lines with his penetrative vertical and diagonal passes into the feet of the attackers plus hit some measured through balls in behind.

Kolarov's venomous strike to score Roma's third underlined how fruitfully this tactic worked, with his advanced positioning the catalyst for him being neatly placed to score.

Giving Roma an excellent base to construct their forward forays, their advanced centre halves were certainly key towards their ability to unsettle SPAL's rearguard.

Cristante smoothly adapts to altered role

Slotting in alongside the more defensively minded Amadou Diawara in central midfield, Cristante looked the goods at the Stadio Paolo Mazza, producing an accomplished outing.

Operating in a tweaked role that gave him the freedom to push forward into the final third to give Roma another dimension, the Italian adapted to the task with aplomb.

Keen to venture forward and occupy spaces between the lines, where he expertly generated 3v2 overloads to progress moves, this manufactured good conditions for Roma to break down SPAL.

Moreover, how he'd surge forward into the box with penetrative runs that proved extremely hard to track due to the defenders being preoccupied offered further positivity.

The fact he also found space in deeper areas to help construct passages, performed the odd rotation with his wingback and passed the ball with clarity and precision only amplified his worth.

Peres shines brightly again

Peres' sparkling recent form continued, as the Brazilian flyer put in another blinder against a struggling SPAL. Marking his display with a classy brace, this was a fine reward for his quality offensive output.

Adding valuable width and energy to the Giallorossi's attacking plans, he made the most of every opportunity to stretch the centrally focused SPAL backline and put them on the back foot. Wreaking havoc with his powerful running and dribbling, his intent was fantastic to see, as his teammates duly obliged his barnstorming runs.

Indeed, his wonderful runs were instrumental for both his goals. His first saw him tear infield with a diagonal run into the box before smashing home a fortunate rebound.

Whereas his second arose following a superb blindside run into the area, where he coolly controlled the ball and settled himself before lacing a perfectly placed driven finish into the top corner.

Upon reaching the final third, Peres sharp feints and alterations in pace and direction ensured he could gain separation before whipping in crosses and cutbacks.

In a match where he also showed his versatility by switching from right wing back to the left for the second half, there was no stopping the relentless Peres, who enjoyed three shots, six progressive runs, four touches inside the box and two shot assists.

Crediting Fonseca with his upturn in form, Peres spoke glowingly of his manager's impact towards him getting back to his best afterwards.

"When I came back the boss explained to me clearly what I needed to do. To stay at Roma I needed to change my approach, I had to have the right attitude," he asserted.

"I’m trying to follow all the advice he gives me, that’s been really helpful. I am doing everything he asks me to do, he knows better than me. I am happy to be able to help my teammates with good performances.”