Romelu Lukaku played a pivotal role in Roma’s second Serie A win of the season, securing a 2-0 victory over Frosinone on Sunday. Meanwhile, Juventus struggled to find the net in a goalless draw against Atalanta.
Lukaku extended his impressive form by netting his third goal in five league games for Roma, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Paulo Dybala during the first half.
The points were sealed for Roma as Lorenzo Pellegrini volleyed in Dybala’s free-kick from a corner in the 83rd minute.
Reflecting on the win, Lukaku, who returned to Italy on loan from Chelsea, remarked, “It’s an important victory achieved through hard work and clinical finishing.”
“We’re in a difficult situation, but the season is still long. We need to keep playing like that.”
Jose Mourinho’s embattled side moved up to 12th on eight points from seven matches after bouncing back from an embarrassing midweek thrashing at Genoa.
Mourinho on Saturday said he had no fears over his future despite overseeing the worst start of his coaching career.
Juventus had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate in Bergamo as the visitors struggled to create chances in the absence of Dusan Vlahovic.
Serbian striker Vlahovic was sidelined by recurring back issues and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a brilliant save to tip Luis Muriel’s free-kick onto the bar to deny Atalanta victory.
Juventus slipped a spot to fourth behind reigning champions Napoli and are four points behind leaders Inter Milan, who are joined at the top by AC Milan.
Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus have dropped points in two of their past three games but will have a chance to recharge their batteries this week while other teams compete in Europe.
In Sunday’s other games, Bologna defeated Empoli 3-0 while a stoppage-time own goal allowed Udinese to snatch a 2-2 draw at home to Genoa.