The long-awaited hero for Roma, against Fiorentina, came from the bench. But it wasn't, as many would have predicted, Francesco Totti. The Captain left the day of honor to Mattia Destro. Do you remember him? Last season he was the most expensive purchase for Giallorossi: he was paid about 16 million euro from Siena.

 

But he ended the season with only 6 goals scored in 21 games (he did better in Italy Cup where he scored 5 goals in 5 games). This year he had not played due to injury, until yesterday, when he took the field in the 57^th minute of the lunch match. Ten minutes later, he scored the goal that gave the Giallorossi the win (2-1) against la Viola.

 

It was a precious success for Rudi Garcia's side, after 4 consecutive draws. Roma could reply to Juventus (winning over Bologna 2-0 on Friday), maintaning a distance of three points from the Bianconeri. "I was sure we'd start winning again, and it came today in the right game. We played a great match", Roma's coach said. "Today I'm happy for my players, for our fans and also for Mattia Destro", he added.

 

Destro was awarded man of the match, in the most spectacular match of the 15^th matchday. “Good football? Yes, it takes 2 great teams to make a great game”, Garcia commented again. A rebirth of hope for Roma after too many draws. Even if the Giallorossi never stopped playing well also against Torino, Sassuolo, Cagliari and Atalanta, the lack of a win was becoming a serious problem. It was worsened, as we wrote, by Totti's injury (against Napoli), which obliged the team to change its tactics. Without the number 10 the Giallorossi, in fact, struggled to score and drew 4 games after ten wins in a row.

 

It seemed to be a different story against Fiorentina, when after 7 minutes Maicon punished Montella's defense scoring 1-0. Instead the Viola didn't give up, equalizing thanks to Vargas' goal at the 29^th minute. Giallorossi's fans were risking to rack up another disappointing result. However Destro's renaissance avoided that. So Garcia also spared Totti, who wasn't obliged to force his reentry. The number ten seemed to be disappointed by watching the full game on the bench. Instead the French coach can be satisfied: on the 16^th of December, his team will call on Milan at the San Siro stadium and the Captain still has time for full recovery.

 

Garcia can also rely on Gervinho: the Ivorian player shown to be in fine form against Fiorentina, leading the whole team with his brutal counterattacks. His contribution can be decisive for Roma who are catching up with Juventus. Indeed, the Gialorossi seem to be the real rivals of the Bianconeri for the Scudetto, while Napoli are facing an unexpected slowdown (they drew 3-3 on Saturday match against Udinese). Yesterday, after the game, Garcia sent a direct message to his colleague, Antonio Conte: “Here we are”. The giallorossi are still undefeated, while Juve achieved seven consecutive wins. An interesting starter towards the match Juventus-Roma on January 6.