Roma Thrashes Empoli 7-0 with Lukaku Scoring Debut Goal

In a stunning display of dominance, AS Roma crushed Empoli 7-0 in Sunday's Serie A clash, securing their first win of the season. The victory propelled Roma out of the relegation zone to 12th place with four points.

Romelu Lukaku, the Belgium forward who recently joined Roma, scored his debut goal for the team, finding the net in the 82nd minute. Talisman Paulo Dybala also had a standout performance, scoring a brace.

The match got off to a rapid start, with Dybala converting a penalty just 35 seconds into the game after Sebastian Walukiewicz handled a cross from Rasmus Kristensen. Renato Sanches doubled Roma's lead in the eighth minute with a precise header from Kristensen's cross.

Roma's third goal took an unusual turn as Lukaku laid off the ball to Bryan Cristante, whose shot deflected off an Empoli player, Albert Grassi, and into the net. Dybala added his sublime second goal ten minutes into the second half.

Lukaku could have completed a hat-trick but struck the crossbar with a free-kick just before being substituted in the 64th minute. Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini contributed to the late flurry of goals, making it a humiliating defeat for Empoli.

Coach Jose Mourinho expressed his satisfaction with Lukaku's performance, emphasizing the importance of the striker feeling loved and wanted in the team.

This match marked Lukaku's first start alongside Dybala, forming an attacking partnership that aims to secure a spot in the Champions League, a feat Roma hasn't achieved since 2018.

Fiorentina Edges Atalanta 3-2 in Thrilling Serie A Encounter

In an exhilarating Serie A clash, Fiorentina secured a 3-2 victory over Atalanta, with Christian Kouame scoring the decisive goal in the 76th minute. This win lifted Fiorentina to seventh place in the league.

Ivorian striker Kouame capitalized on defensive lapses to score his first goal of the season, adding to the goals by Giacomo Bonaventura and Lucas Martinez-Quarta at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Fiorentina now shares seven points with reigning champions Napoli and Frosinone, who secured a 4-2 win over Sassuolo earlier in the day.

Frosinone's victory was historic as they came from two goals down in the first 25 minutes to secure a remarkable win. Their goals included a Walid Cheddira penalty, Luca Mazzitelli's brace, and a stoppage-time finish by Pol Lirola.

Despite their loss, Atalanta remains in ninth place, two points behind Lecce, who maintained their position in the Champions League spots despite a 1-1 draw against Monza.

source: AFP, Milan