Empoli vs. Roma: Winners and Losers from Serie A Game

If the ability to win a game without playing well is the mark of a great team, then Roma proved their credentials as Serie A title contenders against Empoli. 

The Giallorossi were far from their usual entertaining and prolific selves in Tuscany, but nonetheless they left the Stadio Carlo Castellani with an important three points thanks to an own goal.

Empoli played well and were much improved on their first game against Udinese. On the basis of this game there's plenty to suggest that the top-flight newcomers have the potential to cause one or two upsets over the course of the season, even if they weren't able to really trouble their hosts this weekend. 

Winner: Rudi Garcia

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

He won't be happy with how his team performed against Empoli, but Rudi Garcia will take comfort from the fact that despite playing poorly, Roma still went home with three points. 

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the game (in English, via football-italia.net), the Frenchman stressed the importance of the win for his side, and the resilience of his players. He was also quick to praise his opponents. 

"

First of all I have to say Empoli played well, had nothing to lose and it’s fortunate we studied them carefully because they are dangerous on set plays. 

In order to make life difficult for them we knew that we had to go down the flanks and shoot from distance.

The three points are in the bag, which is the essential thing tonight. I am not worried, it’s just that we lost possession too many times and didn’t make the most of space behind the defenders. We need to clarify our ideas on that.

I won’t forget that if we had scored that second goal with Maicon, it would’ve been a much simpler game. 

Manolas has settled in brilliantly. He has pace and already got the hang of how to play in our defence. Finally we did not concede a goal in an arena where I am sure other teams will suffer in future.

"

Loser: Maurizio Sarri

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Few will have expected Empoli to beat Roma, but having had more than three times as many shots during the game as the visitors, the plucky resilience shown against the Giallorossi might have delivered more end product. 

It looks like being a very long season for Maurizio Sarri. The 55-year-old from Naples has coached 17 clubs in his career, never staying more than three seasons in once place. He's been at the Stadio Carlo Castellani since 2012 and deserves huge credit for leading them to promotion last term, but they look very much like a Serie B side out of their depth at the moment. If he wants to avoid relegation and keep his job, they'll need to improve soon. 

Winner: Radja Nainggolan

Paolo Lazzeroni/Associated Press

Once again, Radja Nainggolan made the difference for Roma. 

The Belgian's speculative effort from distance resulted in a fortunate rebound off of Empoli keeper Luigi Sepe, and the own goal was enough to win the game for the Lupi. It wasn't their finest performance, but the Belgian was nonetheless impressive in midfield, continuing on from the fine form he showed in the season opening win over Fiorentina. 

Loser: Mattia Destro

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

It was a disappointing night for Mattia Destro. In general, it was a poor performance from Roma but the talented young Italian striker was well below par in front of goal. 

There's no doubting Destro's ability, but the 23-year-old does seem like a confidence player and against Empoli, he lacked it. Garcia will be hoping that he can ignite the striker's form pretty soon, because with important games coming up in the Champions League and Serie A, the Giallorossi will need their main striker to be firing on all cylinders. 

Winner: Kostas Manolas

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Nainggolan bagged the crucial winner but man of the match was undeniably Kostas Manolas.

The 23-year-old has settled in well to life with the Lupi and he put in another solid performance at the back against Empoli. 

Manolas joined Roma in the summer, as part of the club's replacement plan for Mehdi Benatia, who left in acrimonious circumstances. Speaking to Roma TV (here in English via football-italia.net), the Greek international was keen to focus attentions on the Giallorossi's future, rather than the departure of the talented Moroccan defender. 

"

He’s a great player, but he is the past and I am the future. I will work hard to replace him and help Roma have a great season. I want to give everything for the Giallorossi and I like that the players help each other out.

It was important to get the victory in a difficult game. Now we have our first Champions League match against CSKA Moscow and hope to get the three points there too.

"

Comments like that will win Manolas favour with the fans, as will similar showings at the back and more clean sheets. The future looks bright for him.