Italian Roma taught English Premier League side Brighton some football lessons as they thumped them 4-0 in the first leg of the Europa League round of sixteen match which leaves them looking unlikely to reach the quarter-finals.
Two defensive errors from Brighton was all Roma needed in an entertaining first half before Roma taking full control after the break.
Roma took an early lead when Paulo Dybala slotted in the first after Brighton were undone by a long, straight pass from Leandro Paredes.
The second goal when Lewis Dunk’s poor touch was pounced on and punished by Romelu Lukaku just before half-time.
Brighton continued to play boldly and bravely after the break as they searched for a way back into the game.
However, they were hit by a sucker punch when Gianluca Mancini slid in a third, and quickly conceded again through Bryan Cristante’s header.
De Zerbi’s side continued to try and salvage something to take back to the Amex Stadium, but were unable to narrow the deficit before the second leg next Thursday.
Brighton topped their Europa League group ahead of Marseille, Ajax and AEK Athens – three high-profile clubs with established pedigree – and a trip to Rome was the latest destination on a memorable European tour.
It was a harsh lesson about the quality of the Giallorossi, who have been resurgent under Daniele de Rossi.
The Roma legend replaced Jose Mourinho in January, galvanising the club and allowing his reinvigorated team to play with more freedom.
Europa League: Resurgent Roma Hammer Brighton 4-0
