Azmoun on target to keep Roma in fourth place hunt
Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun marked his first Serie A start with a goal as AS Roma defeated Frosinone 3-0 to remain in the mix for a Champions League spot.
Dutch center-back Dean Huijsen got the visitors off the mark late in the first half before Azmoun doubled the Giallorossi’s lead with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Frosinone keeper Stefano Turati managed to keep out a Bryan Cristante’s effort from behind the box but the Iranian international found the net with a cool touch on the rebound to bag his second goal in 15 appearances in the Italian top flight.
An 81st-minute spot-kick from Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes secured the three points for Daniele De Rossi’s men, who are sixth in the table with 41 points – four adrift of four-place Atalanta and Bologna.
“It was a tough match, especially in the first half. But we changed tactics at the break and played much better in the second half. Scoring goals is my job and I’m so happy with the victory,” Azmoun said after the match.
When asked about his apologetic gesture to the home supporters at the Stadio Benito Stirpe after his goal, Azmoun replied: “The fans didn’t appreciate Huijsen’s goal celebration and the Frosinone players made us aware of that. Respect is the most important thing in football. We are colleagues, friends. It might be difficult on the pitch sometimes, but we should respect each other.”
Azmoun, who is on a season-long loan from Leverkusen, praised De Rossi’s impact since he took over from Jose Mourinho in mid-January.
“De Rossi was very aggressive as a player but also had a big heart. He is the same as a coach as he motivates us a lot,” added the Iranian, who will now be looking to have more opportunity in the starting XI following Sunday’s performance.
Azmoun began the match alongside Romelu Lukaku but was played in a more advanced position after the Belgian striker was replaced by Lorenzo Pellegrini at halftime.
Asked about his decision to substitute Lukaku, De Rossi said: “It was tactical. I didn’t like how he and Azmoun were playing together. It was also because Romelu has played so many matches this season. We need him and we need him fresh.
“I liked how Azmoun was playing so I kept him on after that horrible first half we had. I’m the coach and I have to go with those who are doing the best on the pitch.”
“Sardar is a forward that can play as a trequartista [No. 10] and get involved in building attacking moves. He knows how to play between the lines. My initial idea was to play [Houssem] Aouar, who’s another great player, but I saw Sardar doing well in training and I wanted to go with him.”