Roma’s Europa League Hopes in Jeopardy After Defeat in the Netherlands
Roma’s Europa League campaign took a significant hit as they fell 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night. A late strike from Troy Parrott secured all three points for the Dutch side, pushing them ahead of the Giallorossi in the table and leaving Roma’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Lackluster Performance from Roma
Coming into the game unbeaten in six matches, Roma failed to assert dominance and struggled in midfield, missing injured duo Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante.
The first half lacked clear-cut chances for either side. Manu Koné made an important block to deny Sven Mijnans, while Artem Dovbyk tested AZ’s goalkeeper from distance. A defensive error from Evan N’Dicka nearly gifted AZ a golden opportunity, but Mexx Meerdink failed to capitalize.
Second-Half Improvements but No End Product
Roma replaced Dovbyk at halftime with Matias Soulé, who almost made an impact. The visitors created better opportunities, with Paulo Dybala narrowly missing the target following a clever cross from Angelino. Soulé also had a couple of chances but failed to convert.
AZ’s Late Winner
With 10 minutes remaining, AZ found the breakthrough. Jordy Clasie spread the ball wide to David Moller Wolfe, whose low cross was met by substitute Troy Parrott. The on-loan Tottenham striker reacted quickly, sweeping the ball home from close range to give the Dutch side a crucial lead.
Desperate Late Push from Roma Falls Short
Roma pushed hard for an equalizer in the final minutes. Both Soulé and Dybala came close to scoring, but the Italian side ultimately failed to find the net.
The defeat leaves Roma’s Europa League fate uncertain, with everything riding on their final group stage match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Match Summary
⚽ Goal:
🔹 Troy Parrott (AZ) – 80’
📋 Lineups:
AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3)
GK: Oduro
DEF: Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe
MID: Koopmeiners (62′ Buurmeester), Mijnans, Clasie
FWD: Poku, Meerdink (72′ Parrott), Lahdo (62′ Buurmeester)
Roma (4-3-2-1)
GK: Svilar
DEF: Çelik, Hummels, N’Dicka, Angeliño
MID: Koné, Paredes (85′ Baldanzi), Pisilli
FWD: Dybala, Saelemaekers (74′ El Shaarawy)
ST: Dovbyk (46′ Soulé)
What’s Next for Roma?
🔹 Roma must now win their final group stage match against Eintracht Frankfurt to keep their Europa League hopes alive.
🔹 Can Mourinho’s side bounce back, or will they face an early exit from the competition?
🔥 Drop your predictions below! ⬇️
