Opinion: Three standout performers against Torino

A third successive league win restored Roma’s four-point advantage over AC Milan with just one matchday of this elongated campaign remaining.

We’ve picked out three of the best individual Roma performances from the 3-2 victory at the Olimpico di Torino...

AMADOU DIAWARA

Diawara has been integral to Roma’s recent good form and his importance in giving balance to Fonseca’s system should not be underestimated; he is the anchor that steadies the ship, but his influence goes far beyond the protection he gives the back three.

A rare player that breaks the lines between midfield and defence at both ends of the pitch, Diawara was a major outlet for Roma playing out from the back, time and again providing the transition from defence into attack.

He also performed both a midfield press and cover against Torino, and a first goal for the club - taking the responsibility from the penalty spot, despite the presence of occasional taker Aleksandar Kolarov also on the field - was a much deserved moment in the spotlight for him.

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN

Diawara’s work at the base of midfield - in receiving the ball deep and also driving through the Torino midfield - opened the pitch up for Mkhitaryan to do what he does best; exploit space.

The Armenia international has done this time and again in recent weeks, taking up positions in pockets where opponents don’t know whether the defence or midfield should close him down.

It was exactly this clever movement that saw Mkhitaryan peel from his marker, and gain the freedom to first be found by Bryan Cristante and then, in turn, find Dzeko to fire home what was a crucially timed equaliser.

EDIN DZEKO

That first half leveller came just two minutes after Torino took the lead, as Dzeko’s ruthless finish took him level fourth on Roma’s all-time list of top scorers.

It was pure predatory pouncing from the Roma captain, whose hold-up play and work-rate was exemplary once more on a hot night in Turin. His partnership with Mkhitaryan has truly blossomed over the business end of the season.

Dzeko also played a major role in Roma’s third, driving from just inside the Torino half into their penalty area before inducing a foul from Koffi Djidji with a clever stepover and giving Diawara the chance to add what was, in the end, a decisive third goal.