Paulo Dybala’s first goals for Roma put his new team at the top of the Italian league
Milan (AFP) – Paulo Dybala hit Roma at the top of Serie A on Tuesday, missing Monza 3-0, while Inter Milan trail Jose Mourinho’s team by one point after their 3-1 home win over Cremonese. Argentine striker Dybala brought his striker to a century of goals in the Italian league after scoring two goals in the first 32 minutes at the Stadio Olimpico to bring Roma, who have not lost 10 points from their first four games. Inter in the wake of Roma – Dybala’s goals came thanks to good work from Tammy Abraham, who sent the 28-year-old on his way to opening his account in Roma in the 18th minute with a winning flick from his attacking partner before attacking home. The duo tied for a second for Roma, this time forcing Abraham to block a fine from Michel Di Gregorio before Dybala showed a more aggressive side to his game by beating the Monza defenders on the ball and collecting it in the net. Nicolo Barilla made a great shot to help Inter beat Cremonese But Joaquin Correa put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute and Nicolo Parilla doubled their lead with a superb shot seven minutes before the break. Substitute Lautaro Martinez scored his third goal of the season 14 minutes before the end of the season to ensure Cremonese, who scored late through David Okerek, remained in second place without any points. – Minyan saves Milan – Milan thanked Mike Minn for keeping their unbeaten record intact, as the France goalkeeper snapped up his right to deny Domenico Berardi a penalty midway through the first half. Mike Minnan made sure Milan got a point at Sassuolo by saving his penalty The 33-year-old lasted 79 minutes and is hoping to keep fit for the World Cup, which kicks off in November in Qatar, where Denmark in Group D will face France, Tunisia and Australia. “It has been a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifices. I am very happy to be back on the field and giving a helping hand to my team.” Milan are upset about returning to Reggio Emilia 100 days after winning the Scudetto there, while it is expected to be officially sold to RedBird by fellow US investment fund Elliott Management by the end of the week. Among the investors supporting the RedBird purchase, according to a Financial Times report on Tuesday, are the New York Yankees baseball team and Main Street Advisors, a California-based investment firm whose partners include the likes of basketball star LeBron James and rapper Drake. Sassuolo are 10th on five points but will be concerned about Berardi’s condition after the Italian winger moved to the dressing rooms shortly after the first half due to what coach Alessio Dionissi said was a muscle problem.
Roma, who also scored an hour after Roger Ibanez’s header from Lorenzo Pellegrini’s corner, are two points ahead of third-placed AC Milan after the champions drew 0-0 with Sassuolo.
“I really wanted to score a goal, and fortunately it happened here in front of our fans, so I’m really happy,” Dybala told DAZN, adding that it was “too early to talk” about the title challenge.
When asked about his favorite goal among his 100 Serie A goals, Dybala broke out with a wide smile and said, “Next goal.”
Napoli and Lazio stand a chance of a draw with Roma in Wednesday’s games against Lecce and Sampdoria, while Atalanta and Turin – both also on seven points – face off on Thursday.
Inter are nervous in the wake of Roma after recovering from their weekend defeat at Lazio despite having to dispense with star striker Romelu Lukaku.
Belgium’s Lukaku will miss Saturday’s Milan derby and likely the opening Champions League match against Bayern Munich next week.
“We lacked a bit of clarity and development in certain situations and that’s what we need to work on tomorrow,” Milan defender Simon Kjaer told DAZN following his debut after nine months out with a serious knee injury.
