On Wednesday, Nicolo Zaniolo scored the lone goal in Roma’s 1-0 triumph against Feyenoord in the first Europa Conference League final, giving them their first major European prize.
Zaniolo, an Italy international, scored a well-taken goal in the 32nd minute to give Roma their first championship since 2008 and conclude a successful first season in Rome for coach Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho was driven to tears by his sixth European championship as a coach, the first for an Italian side since he guided Inter Milan to the Champions League 12 years ago.
Zaniolo told Sky, “It was a big battle, but I’m incredibly thrilled.”
“It was always a dream of mine, and now I’ve realized it.”
Roma, the 1961 Fairs Cup champions, rode their luck with Feyenoord dominating possession and twice hitting the post in the second half.
However, they stood firm in the face of Dutch supremacy, bringing satisfaction to one of Europe’s most ardent and success-hungry fan groups.
Over 50 000 supporters flocked to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome to see their side create history in Albania, and they surged onto the field after the trophy was won.
Meanwhile, moment referee Istvan Kovacs sounded his whistle to end their team’s trophy drought, a tiny section of fans permitted inside Tirana’s National Stadium erupted in joy.
“We know it’s always tough to start again after these incredible triumphs, but a true team wins, celebrates, and then goes back to work,” said Rome-born captain Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Feyenoord, the 1970 European champions, suffered their first ever defeat in a European final, as well as Arne Slot’s team’s first loss in the tournament.
In what was a tight, gritty first half, Zaniolo broke the stalemate with the one true moment of brilliance.
He skillfully took down Gianluca Mancini’s pass over the top that had eluded Gernot Trauner before flicking a finish past Justin Bijlow.
Zaniolo became the first Italian to score in a European final since Filippo Inzaghi in 2007 and a guaranteed hero for Roma supporters with the goal.
Feyenoord had controlled the ball and created little intrigue before the restart, but that changed almost quickly.
Trauner deflected a low cross off the post, and Rui Patricio made his first major stop of the game seconds after, the Portuguese moving quickly to push Guus Til’s attempt away.
Four minutes after the interval, the 34-year-old was forced into action again, throwing himself to his left to narrowly tip Tyrell Malacia’s rocket of a shot against the woodwork.
Tammy Abraham’s hands were almost in the air in surprise when Marcos Senesi pulled him back just as he was sprinting through on goal, but Feyenoord were definitely on top.
The Dutch pushed on, but a tenacious defensive showing reminiscent of Mourinho’s clubs held them off, giving Roma a rare moment of triumph.