AS Roma 2-1 Hellas Verona: El Shaarawy stars as De Rossi gets winning start as Roma boss

Stephan El Shaarawy orchestrated both goals for AS Roma, who ended a three-game winless streak in Serie A with a 2-1 home victory over Hellas Verona on Saturday, giving newly appointed manager Daniele De Rossi a perfect start.

After 19 minutes, Roma broke the deadlock when El Shaarawy made a run into the box and passed to the unmarked Romelu Lukaku, who scored his ninth league goal this season.

Six minutes later, the hosts extended their lead when El Shaarawy flicked a cross to Lorenzo Pellegrini at the back post, who volleyed into the roof of the net.

Verona had a chance to get back into the game shortly after the hour mark when they were awarded a penalty for a handball on Diego Llorente, but Milan Djuric's attempt went wide.

They finally pulled one back in the 76th minute when Michael Folorunsho curled a shot from around 30 metres, catching Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio off guard as the ball slipped through his gloves.

Roma are eighth with 32 points, while 18th-place Verona are in the relegation zone with 17 points.

"We must celebrate victories and recreate enthusiasm here, so even though the team did not play very well in the final 25 minutes, they showed heart, determination and brought home the result," De Rossi told DAZN.

"I really liked the first half, but if you do the same moves without the right pace, without moving the ball quickly and without remembering why you are doing it, then you are going to struggle."

The atmosphere at the crowded Stadio Olimpico was mostly upbeat and supportive as fans gathered to mark the beginning of a new era following the departure of coach Jose Mourinho.

The 60-year-old Portuguese manager was fired earlier this week after the club won just one of its last six league games. Many supporters displayed banners thanking Mourinho for his contributions to the club.

SportsLigue