Jose Mourinho and AS Roma fans

Sang Gangte

AS Roma fans in full voice at kick-off as Jose Mourinho matches their passion after full-time

AS Roma, Jose Mourinho

A spine-tingling welcome awaited Torino players at Stadio Olimpico as Roma took on the Turin based club on matchday 14 of Serie A.

Minutes before the kick-off, the atmosphere at the stadium went buzzing with home fans singing the club’s official anthem ‘Roma, Roma, Roma’. The whole of Stadio Olimpico seemed to have gotten involved in firing up their players as the singing rose to a crescendo.

England International Tammy Abraham was also seen humming the anthem, suggesting just how well he has taken to his new surroundings in Rome.

And as far as the home players were concerned, the passionate pre-match singing of the club’s iconic anthem did pay off in terms of charging them up.

Mourinho’s Roma went on to win the game thanks to Tammy Abraham’s first-half goal that saw the side clinch three crucial points, staying on track for a spot in the Champions League.

Roma were bequeathed a golden opportunity to increase their lead just before half-time after Stephan El Shaarawy was fouled inside the box. However, VAR overruled the spot-kick decision after Abraham was ruled to be slightly offside.

The home side held onto their single-goal advantage despite strong resistance put forth by Torino in the second half.

The victory was of great consequence, as evidenced by Mourinho’s animated reaction on the sidelines at full-time. Waiting intently for the final whistle, Mourinho strode along the sidelines at the end with both his hands raised, then punching the air twice in delight.

He then ambled towards the pitch, congratulating both his players and opponents before huddling together with his team at the centre circle, presumably suggesting they go and thank their supporters.

Mourinho’s men now find themselves one point behind Atalanta, seated at the fourth spot.