Opinion: 3 notable performances as Roma ease past Parma

BRYAN CRISTANTE

Italy international Cristante is quickly turning into Mr. Dependable in the Italian capital, whether he be starting or coming off the bench, deployed in central midfield or at centre-half.

It was in defence this time out that he took up Chris Smalling’s usual role as the middle man of the Roma back-three and his positioning and composure on the ball meant Parma barely had a sniff as the visitors managed just one shot on goal across the entire 90 minutes.

The 25-year-old also took the captain’s armband with Edin Dzeko sidelined - as he has done in the Europa League this season - and marshalled his side to a comfortable victory that could have been much trickier considering Roma were without the likes of Dzeko and Smalling.

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN

Another week, another dominant performance from Mkhitaryan - who followed up his hat-trick in the 3-1 win at Genoa prior to the international break with a brace this time out.

His first half double at the Olimpico showcased the variety of goals Mkhitaryan has in his arsenal with his long range first effort putting his incredible technique on full display and the back post tap-in for his second an exhibition of the 31-year-old’s exceptional movement as he ghosted in unmarked behind the Parma defence.

There was initial concern as to where the goals would come from in the absence of Dzeko, but Mkhitaryan & co. have put those worries to bed emphatically with six goals in the last two Serie A outings without their skipper.

BORJA MAYORAL

Mayoral was another who would have felt the pressure to deliver as he stepped into Dzeko’s shoes and after a fairly slow start to life in the capital, the Spaniard now looks to be well and truly settled.

The 23-year-old’s composed finish to give Roma the lead was evidence of that and his first league goal will certainly be a boost to Mayoral’s confidence.

It was his third goal in as many games, highlighting just how potent this Roma side is under Paulo Fonseca and the coach will be more delighted than anyone at just how strong his squad is looking in a season when playing depth is more critical than ever before.