It’s not just three points. It’s not just a victory. Yesterday Roma brought home much more: a smile that the Olimpico hadn’t seen for a long time, the first goal from a young Saudi, applause instead of whistles, a compact and convincing team that finally took the place of a group disunited, and, above all, a performance of character.
The Giallorossi won with a clear 3-0 against Braga, dominating for the entire 90 minutes thanks to goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini, Saud Abdulhamid and Mario Hermoso. Three names that, just two weeks ago, would have raised doubts and questions about who wasn’t working on the pitch.
Yet, in the crucial moment, when the victory was neither obvious nor simple, it was they, at different moments of the match, who ignited the hope of the entire stadium.
The Roman captainas underlined several times by Ranieri, needed find light-heartedness to express yourself at your best again. These three games seem to have unlocked him. If time is honest, every wound will heal and his performances could return to what they once were.
For Saud the issue was more complicated. We went from enthusiasm for the young talent, protagonist of tireless runs with the national team (and viral videos on Instagram and Now, however, his running appears more functional to the game and he seems more confident in himself and in the team, which he finally feels is on his side. This balance allowed him to find his space and right concentration to express its full potential.
And then there is Mario Hermosothe “joker” of goal logistics. Even starting from the bench, he managed to make an impact with that determination that distinguishes him. A passion that, in the past, was dispersed between cards and lackluster actions, but which now finally appears channeled and decisive.
THE three are just the face of a coin that gave victory. The other is represented by the group’s performance. There is still work to be done on some elements, but today is time to rejoice. Because, as Antonello Venditti sings: “I dreamed of this Rome, and Rome is here.”