Serie A: Roma Extend Winning Streak with Hard-Fought Victory Over Empoli

AS Roma secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Empoli in Serie A, with Matías Soulé's goal extending Roma's winning streak and keeping them in contention for European qualification.

AS Roma maintained their pursuit of European qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Empoli in Serie A at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, stretching their winning streak to six consecutive matches.

Roma's victory was crucial in keeping their European ambitions alive, and they approached the match with a sense of urgency. Given their impressive form on the road, having won their previous three away league games, Roma were confident of securing a win against struggling Empoli.

Soulé's goal is enough for the Roma win! 👏#EmpoliRoma pic.twitter.com/NLuzTcPtl9

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 9, 2025

Roma's winning streak appeared unlikely to end soon, as Claudio Ranieri's side took the lead within the opening minute. Matías Soulé received the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a sublime left-footed strike that curled into the bottom-right corner.

After taking the lead, Roma withstood a brief period of pressure from Empoli before nearly doubling their advantage midway through the first half. Eldor Shomurodov found Lorenzo Pellegrini inside the penalty area, but the midfielder's effort sailed narrowly wide of the left post.

Shomurodov continued to pose a threat to the Empoli defense, rattling the crossbar from the center of the box after a precise pass from Pellegrini. Shortly after, Roma hit the woodwork again, this time through Manu Koné, who crashed a shot off the outside of the right post from inside the area.

Matías Soulé is the Panini Player of the Match for #EmpoliRoma 🏆 pic.twitter.com/K8nbkv5O3E

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 9, 2025

The second half was dominated by Roma, but Empoli's defense held firm in the initial stages, repelling the Giallorossi's attacks. Roma had a gilt-edged opportunity to double their lead just after the hour mark, but Lorenzo Pellegrini's curled effort towards the top-right corner was spectacularly clawed away by Empoli goalkeeper Marco Silvestri.

Empoli's attacking struggles were evident in the second half, as they failed to pose a significant threat to Roma's defense. This lack of creativity was a major factor in Empoli's struggles in front of goal, with only three teams having scored fewer goals in Serie A this season. Roberto D'Aversa's side looked devoid of ideas, and their inability to create scoring opportunities ultimately proved costly.

Roma successfully navigated the remainder of the match, securing a vital 1-0 victory that propels them four points behind sixth-placed Bologna in the pursuit of European qualification. In contrast, Empoli's struggles continue, with the Azzurri now two points adrift of safety, mired in the bottom three of Serie A.