14 shots and two goals: Roma continue perfect Serie A start

Roma make their chances count

AS Roma defeated Torino 2-0 at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Monday, with Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli scoring in either half. The result extended Roma’s perfect start listed in the pre-match form and left Torino with another defeat after their previous two losses.

The opening half was closely contested in possession, but Roma created the clearer opportunities. Malen broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with a normal goal, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead at half-time. He finished his 57-minute appearance with two shots on target and a match rating of 7.9.

Torino had the ball, Roma had the threat

Torino held 53% possession and completed 507 passes, compared with Roma’s 47% and 437 passes. That control did not translate into the same attacking output. Roma registered 14 total shots to Torino’s seven, put five attempts on target to Torino’s three, and produced eight corners compared with one.

The expected-goals figures also favoured the visitors, at 1.91 to Torino’s 0.76. Roma generated 12 shots from inside the box, while Torino had three. The statistics therefore show a match in which Torino circulated the ball more, but Roma created more dangerous openings. Both goalkeepers made three saves, and the teams recorded the same 82% passing accuracy.

Late insurance and disciplined finish

Torino made two changes at half-time, sending on A. Cacciamani and D. Braganca for R. Belghali and G. Gineitis. K. Fitz-Jim was later replaced by E. Ilkhan in the 59th minute. Roma responded with changes of their own, including R. Mora for Matías Soulé and S. Castro for Malen in the 57th minute, followed by M. Kone for B. Cristante in the 64th.

Roma’s lead survived the second half before Pisilli settled the result in the 90th minute with another normal goal. He was booked in the 72nd minute, while M. Hermoso received Roma’s other yellow card in the 61st. Torino finished without a booking. Pisilli’s goal, two key passes and one tackle earned him a 7.5 rating, matching Torino goalkeeper Lucas Perri, who made three saves.

Table positions underline Roma’s start

The current Serie A standings list Roma second with nine points from three games, three wins and a goal difference of plus nine. Torino are 14th with three points from three games, one win and two defeats, and a goal difference of minus one. The 2-0 result strengthens the contrast between Roma’s winning form and Torino’s recent run of losses.