Key Takeaways:
- AS Roma secured a 3-0 victory at home against Cremonese after a dominant second-half performance
- The result extended Cremonese’s winless streak in Serie A to 12 matches (D4, L8)
- Roma moved level on points with third-placed Napoli while Cremonese stayed three points above the relegation zone
Match Overview
AS Roma bolstered their hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification with a resounding 3-0 victory over Cremonese at the Stadio Olimpico. A superb display after the interval saw the Giallorossi further entrench themselves in Serie A’s top four and inflict more misery on a Cremonese side now without a win in their last 12 league fixtures (D4, L8).
⏱ | It's all over at the Olimpico! What a fantastic win!#ASRoma #RomaCremonese pic.twitter.com/IYjwNWnpy6
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) February 22, 2026
First Half: Opportunities at a Premium
Having claimed wins in all four prior Serie A encounters this season against newly-promoted opponents, Roma looked confident from kick-off. Gian Piero Gasperini’s team dictated the early tempo, but meaningful chances were hard to come by. Cremonese defender Sebastiano Luperto narrowly avoided an own goal, heading just wide from close range while under pressure.
Roma increased their urgency after a cautious opening half-hour, nearly breaking the deadlock when Gianluca Mancini crashed a header off the bar from Bryan Zaragoza’s well-placed cross. Nevertheless, after managing just one victory in their previous five competitive matches (D3, L1), the hosts struggled to convert their possession into goals as Cremonese’s defence maintained parity heading into the interval.
Second Half: Roma Break Through
Following the break, the Giallorossi came out on the front foot. Donyell Malen forced Emil Audero into a smart save at the near post, signalling Roma’s intent. Their persistence soon paid dividends, as Bryan Cristante rose to nod in Lorenzo Pellegrini’s corner, giving Roma the lead just before the hour mark.
Sensing vulnerability, Roma intensified their attack. Audero produced a strong stop to deny Evan Ndicka, while Malen failed to hit the target from a promising position. The pressure eventually proved too much for the visitors in the 77th minute, as Cristante flicked on Neil El Aynaoui’s corner for Ndicka to steer home his first Serie A goal.
Final Stage and Impact on Standings
The match was effectively settled with Roma’s second goal, but they were not finished. Substitute Niccolo Pisilli capped the performance by curling a superb first-time shot into the far corner late on, sealing the 3-0 result.
This result lifted Roma to draw level on points with third-placed Napoli, reinforcing their top-four ambitions. Cremonese, meanwhile, remain precariously above the relegation places just three points clear, having managed to score in only two of their last 12 league games.
