AS Roma kept their hopes of a first Serie A title since 2000/01 alive with a convincing 3-1 win over Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini, moving to the top of the table with their fifth victory in six league meetings.
Roma were given an early scare when Mile Svilar made a smart stop from Federico Bonazzoli inside the first 15 minutes. However, Matías Soulé soon punished Cremonese with a neat strike from the edge of the box, putting the visitors ahead with his fourth league goal of the season. Roma nearly extended their lead when Lorenzo Pellegrini’s effort from a rebound was ruled out for offside.
The first half remained lively, with Svilar saving well from Jari Vandeputte twice and tipping over Pellegrini’s shot. Cremonese were also awarded a penalty in stoppage time, but the referee overturned the decision, much to Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s relief. Gasperini was later sent off in the second half for dissent.
Roma quickly turned the game in their favour with two goals in quick succession. Evan Ferguson, returning from injury, scored his first Serie A goal after a well-worked cross left Emil Audero helpless. Wesley added a third, finishing neatly after a perfect through ball from Stephan El Shaarawy. Cremonese managed a late consolation from Francesco Folino, but Roma’s dominance was clear.
Wesley was named Man of the Match for his influential performance in Roma’s commanding win.
