In their first win of the 2023-24 season, AS Roma, dominated bottom-placed Empoli with a staggering 7-0 victory in Serie A on Sunday. Two quick-fire goals paved the way for Roma’s historic triumph, lifting them from the relegation zone to 12th place with four points from four games. Despite their horror start to the season, the team showcased impressive form, while Empoli remained scoreless and struggled to gain their first point.
Roma’s extensive attacking prowess was on full display, with five different players finding the back of the net against a powerless Empoli. Paulo Dybala secured the lead with a penalty in the second minute, followed by Renato Sanches doubling the advantage with a well-placed header in the eighth. Empoli’s Alberto Grassi further added to Roma’s tally with an unfortunate own goal in the 35th minute. The second half witnessed Dybala’s second goal of the night, Bryan Cristante’s strike from distance, and new signing Romelu Lukaku impressively scoring in his debut for Roma. Captain Gianluca Mancini sealed the rout with a header, aided by Cristante’s backheel assist.
Empoli’s struggles continued, making them only the third team in Serie A history to lose their first four games of the season without scoring. Empoli sporting director Pietro Accardi expressed shared responsibility for the team’s shortcomings, stating that time would be taken for reflection and identifying the underlying issues. Empoli will look to improve as they prepare to host league leaders Inter Milan, while Roma faces a Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol before their league encounter with Torino next Sunday.
