Roma salvage point at Hellas Verona thanks to Alessandro Florenzi goal

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:14 am

Alessandro Florenzi's long-range strike secured a 1-1 draw for Roma in their opening day clash at Verona.

Debutant goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was beaten by Bosko Jankovic as the hosts took the lead just after the hour mark.

But Italy forward Florenzi struck five minutes later to ensure a share of the spoils.

Roma also handed a debut to Edin Dzeko and his first sight of goal arrived in the 16th minute when he connected with a volley from a tight angle, but the shot flew into the stands.

Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan had a great chance to open the scoring moments later but his effort was well saved by Verona keeper Rafael.

Alessandro Florenzi was the hero for AS Roma.
ALESSANDRO RUGGERI/AFP/Getty Images

Nainggolan then lofted the ball into the box towards Dzeko only for the on-loan Manchester City striker to head wide.

But Roma survived a scare just before half-time when Jankovic's header was cleared off the line by Daniele De Rossi.

Arsenal loanee Szczesny was called into meaningful action for the first time at the start of the second half, pulling of a fine double save to deny Emil Hallfredsson and Juanito Gomez.

But the Pole was beaten in the 61st minute when Jankovic met Hallfredsson's cross at the far post and steered it home.

However, just five minutes later, Florenzi let fly with an angled drive from 25 yards to haul Roma level.

Dzeko had a chance to win it five minutes from time but headed over before Miralem Pjanic was denied by Rafael at the death.