Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku both grabbed first-half goals as AS Roma secured a dominant 4-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in their UEFA Europa League round of 16 first-leg clash at the Stadio Olimpico.
Despite early pressure from Roma, Brighton’s defence held firm until the 13th minute when a perfectly executed through ball from Leandro Paredes found Italian affinized Dybala, who calmly slotted home to break the deadlock.
The Seagulls consequently tried to get their way back into the game, but a defensive error allowed Lukaku to double the Giallorossi’s lead before halftime.
De Zerbi replaced Julio Enciso with Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati in the second half in a bid to increase his side’s attacking momentum.
However, every chance of that happening was quelled as Roma continued their onslaught nineteen minutes into the half, with Gianluca Mancini grabbing Roma’s third goal from El Shaarawy’s cross before Bryan Cristante hit the last nail on the coffin in the 68th minute.
The victory puts Roma in a strong position to make it to the next round, while Brighton faces an uphill task to salvage their European campaign ahead of the second leg in England.
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