Roma secured an impressive 4-0 victory against Monza during their Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico on February 24, 2025, extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches. Coach Claudio Ranieri saw his team dominate from the start, effectively addressing both their tactical needs and the relegation worries surrounding the struggling Monza, now with only one win from their last 18 games.
The action began quickly, with Belgian winger Alexis Saelemaekers opening the scoring just 10 minutes in. Cutting inside from the right wing, Saelemaekers unleashed a curling shot, finding the far corner of the net and leaving Monza's goalkeeper, Turati, no chance to react. This remarkable effort showcased Roma's intent and skill, setting the tone for the match.
The second goal came from Eldor Shomurodov, who doubled the lead at the 32-minute mark. Following precision build-up play, Matías Soulé provided the perfect cross, allowing Shomurodov to head the ball home from close range. Roma's tactical push down the right flank remained evident, highlighting their control over the game.
Despite being under significant pressure, Monza managed to create minimal chances, managing only 27% possession during the first half. Nevertheless, they did force Roma's goalkeeper, Mile Svilar, to make some important saves, particularly from Dany Mota and Silvere Ganvoula late in the half. Their efforts were commendable but were overshadowed by Roma's dominance.
After halftime, Roma continued their methodical assault on Monza's defense. They solidified their grip on the match when Angelino found the net with 18 minutes remaining. After receiving the ball from Bryan Cristante, he dispatched it low to the far corner, completely outmaneuvering Turati once again. This third goal effectively sealed the game for Roma.
A capstone moment came three minutes from the end as Bryan Cristante himself capped off the scoring with a glancing header from Paulo Dybala's corner. This header underscored Roma's overwhelming control and execution throughout the match.
The defensive structure of Roma, complemented by iron-clad performances from players like Hummels and Mancini, frustrated Monza's attempts to penetrate. This disciplined showing was instrumental to Roma's solid defense, which has now made them one of the toughest teams to break down since the turn of the year.
Reported AP: "The win will delight Roma coach Claudio Ranieri, who has watched his charges put together the best run of form in the league in 2025." This sentiment embodies the spirit within Roma as their fans rejoice with each match. Their performance has seen improvements all season, with 20 out of 24 points earned since January, shifting them just one point behind Milan and Bologna.
On the other hand, the struggles for Monza and coach Alessandro Nesta have deepened. Lauded for his previous tactical successes, Nesta finds himself under pressure as Monza faces the prospect of relegation, now three points adrift at the bottom of the league. Many around the club remain concerned about their current form, needing to turn things around quickly.
This loss for Monza sheds light on their challenging season, but it also emphasizes the remarkable performance of Roma. They continue to build momentum as they approach the next fixtures, including their upcoming matches against lower-ranked teams, hoping to secure their position for European competition next season.
With the Serie A season nearing its conclusion, all eyes will be on both teams—whether Roma can sustain their success and if Monza can escape the relegation battle they currently find themselves entangled within.