Image Credits: DaveOCKOP
As you close in on the Stadio Olimpico, it’s difficult not to sense the history all around you as motorbikes whizz by with fans proudly displaying “Dybala 19” on the back of their kits. I visited the city during a tense hot spell and went to see if the hype around one Liverpool target is real. It is.
AS Roma welcomed the visiting Scudetto holders Inter Milan during a fiery affair. Inter came into the game on the back of three wins from their opening four games, while the hosts were unbeaten so far with three wins and a draw.
Curtis Jones, who left Liverpool in a £30 million total package, started for Inter Milan and, after a sluggish start, he found his way into the game.
Manu Kone Takes Centre Stage
It was all the home side in the opening half, with Liverpool target Manu Kone dominating the game.
Kone is a player Liverpool have been linked with since 2023, after initially being rumoured to be keen on him during his time at Borussia Mönchengladbach. The 25-year-old has excelled in Italy, and it’s easy to see why Premier League clubs are circling.
The French international put AS Roma ahead after just six minutes following a meandering run into the box. A half-volley from close range had the stadium rocking.
Fan favourite Paolo Dybala went close on the 20th minute, with former Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen blazing over the bar four minutes later. Malen has hit the ground running in Rome, with six goals so far in Serie A.
The travelling side should have drawn level just before the half-hour mark as Lautaro Martinez missed from a sliding effort after Curtis Jones put the ball across the box. Martinez would still have his say on this game, however.
Kone Doubles Roma’s Lead
After 37 minutes, Manu Kone doubled his side’s lead with another goal from close range.
After an anxious VAR review, the goal was given and it looked as though Roma were heading for an easy victory.
Kone was the standout performer in the opening 45, dominating possession from deep while also offering an attacking threat going forward.
He finished the game with an impressive 85% passing accuracy and an incredible 8.7 FotMob rating.
Inter Fight Back After The Break
Martinez scored for Inter Milan just after the break and, from then on, the travelling side took control of the game.
Curtis Jones was called ashore after just 56 minutes for Peter Sucic. Jones took time to get into the game but found his rhythm as the game progressed.
Kone was substituted by Gian Piero Gasperini on the hour mark and, as day turned to night in Rome, it was Inter who took control.
Roma never looked like scoring in the second half, particularly after Kone’s withdrawal. The away side scored in the 79th minute to draw level after Lautaro Martinez scored again from close range.
In truth, Roma held on to salvage a draw and were lucky not to concede a third.
Liverpool Face Midfield Decision
It seems as though it’s between Monaco’s Lamine Camara and Manu Kone for Liverpool’s next midfield acquisition.
The Reds will surely have a battle on their hands to sign either, but if Manu Kone can continue to progress, he will be a shrewd signing to stop Liverpool conceding needless goals through the middle.
Support DaveOCKOP and enjoy the site completely ad-free. You’ll get an uninterrupted browsing experience while helping us continue to deliver the latest Liverpool news, breaking stories and exclusives. Go ad-free today.