All Roads Lead To Roma

The joy & jubilation was clear. The tears flowed freely; and so did the champagne. At the first-ever UEFA Europa Conference League final; Roma made a chunk of history as they claimed their first-ever European crown; defeating 3rd-placed Eridivisie side Feyenoord Rotterdam 1-0 in Tirana, Albania.

Feyenoord actually had the better of possession; but you sensed they were not gonna score no matter how long we played; such was their limitations upfront and the steadfastness of the Roma defence. In the end; it was Nicolo Zaniolo who snatched the all-important goal; stealing in after a lax moment from Gernot Trauner to prod the ball home.

Feyenoord gave it their all; coming out strongly in the second half and there was a 15-minute period when they looked like they were going to equalise; but they were repelled by some brilliant defending from Chris Smalling and the 'keeper Rui Patricio.

For Roma; it could well awake a sleeping giant; with the club now poised to go for even greater things. Jose Mourinho seems revitalised over there; and they are led by two English signings whom everyone thought was past their best; former Chelsea starlet Tammy Abraham and ex-Manchester United defender Smalling.