Four Things We Learned: Veretout steals spotlight as Diawara dictates

Massive win sees Roma go six undefeated

Sporting their striking new kit for the clash against Fiorentina, Roma overcame a dogged Fiorentina side who hadn't tasted defeat in their last six outings, courtesy of two penalties by Jordan Veretout against his former club.

With two games left in the league, the victory ensured Roma remain in fifth, four points clear of AC Milan, leaving them well placed to finish in the Europa League places.

In a match where they outshone La Viola in Expected Goals (2.59 to 0.97), shots (22 to five), possession (60.07% to 39.93%) and won nearly 60% of their overall defensive duels, the Giallorossi deserved their win.

Knowing what a significant three points this was for the home side, Paulo Fonseca summed things up nicely afterwards, insisting: "This was a tough game – Fiorentina had not lost in their last six matches, they have often come away with good results on their travels, they know how to make things difficult.

"I think we put in a great team performance; we created so many chances to score. It was a huge win for us.”

Left-sided mechanics

One of the most interesting points of analysis to arise from this match-up emerges from how Veretout would frequently drop into an auxiliary left-back position during Roma's build-up. In doing so, this allowed flying wingback Leonardo Spinazzola the freedom to surge upfield and play essentially as a winger, adding width and depth to attacks.

With Veretout being located in this deep position, it gave Roma structural security in the event of a turnover too, for he could cover counter attacks in this area while allowing Spinazzola free rein to storm upfield and isolate himself against his direct opponent.

It was also notable how Henrikh Mkhitaryan would drift into central midfield locations to further enhance the space Spinazzola had, with this trio often key in forming numerical superiorities down this side to either bypass the press or set loose the Italian wingback.

Counterpressing on point

Another feature of Roma's performance came from their effective counterpressing after losing possession. Reacting swiftly whenever they turned the ball over in the final or midfield third, they hunted in unison in order to recover possession and attack again from high up against Fiorentina, who were often preparing for a counter of their own.

Full of intensity and aggression, they marked their nearby opponents and harried the ball carrier fiercely, looking to block lanes and limit the time the ball holder had to make decisions, which consequently forced errors.

A testament to the execution of this strategy came from the fact that on multiple occasions they won back the ball near their own box to generate some promising sequences leading to shots.

Being so well spaced and structured in their offensive phases also served them beautifully, for once they lost the ball, they had good access to immediately press the ball and surrounding outlets.

Diawara's defensive class

While he doesn't often draw the headlines and take the limelight, Amadou Diawara's importance to the team can't be underestimated. And this match offered another example of why, with his defensive output especially admirable.

From his holding midfield station, his positioning, awareness, judgement, reading of the play and intelligence saw him do an excellent job of protecting the backline. So alert to any impending danger, he'd step forward with conviction to break up attacks, drop back to support his defence or hold his position to block forward passing routes.

It also warranted mention how he'd time his interventions to perfection to snuff out danger, shrewdly track runners from deep and even take on marking assignments that were missed by colleagues.

Once again showing what an integral component to Fonseca's side he is, the understated Guinea international's numbers show he completed seven tackles, five interceptions, five ball recoveries and won eight of his 13 defensive duels duly accentuated what an accomplished body of work he put in.