MILAN (AP) — Within minutes, Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini went from screaming on the sideline to smiling from the stands.
That’s because right after Gasperini was sent off, Roma scored two goals to win 3-1 against Cremonese, returning Gasperini’s team to the top of Serie A ahead of the Milan derby.
Roma are two points ahead of defending champions Napoli and three points ahead of Bologna and Inter Milan, who host AC Milan later on Sunday.
Milan were in fifth place, two points behind Inter.
Cremonese have proven to be a difficult opponent for many teams this season, but some impressive saves from Roma goalkeeper Miles Svillar kept it at bay.
Roma took the lead with the first chance of the match. Manu Kone played a one-two with Lorenzo Pellegrini, found Matthias Sule on the edge of the area and fired a wonderful shot into the bottom left corner of the goal.
The hosts had their penalty rescinded on a video review shortly after half-time, as Svilar forced Cremona’s shot into the crates and the ball hit Roma defender Gianluca Mancini’s arm.
The referee conceded that the handball was “not punishable” because Mancini’s arm was at the same height as his body.
Gasperini was sent off in the 62nd minute. The Roma manager was furious after being booked for dissent, repeatedly shouting “I didn’t say anything” and was given a second yellow card. He continued to scream even after running away.
Two minutes later, Roma doubled their lead when the ball curled into the area, allowing substitute Evan Ferguson to slot home for his first goal for the club.
Gasperini may not have been in position to see the goal, but he was all smiles on TV after Roma scored their third goal in the 69th minute.
Wesley bounced off the offside trap and ran onto Stephan El Shaarawy’s through ball, past the onrushing Emile Audero.
Francesco Folino scored a late header against Cremonese.
relegation battle
Matteo Pellegrino scored twice to help Parma beat Hellas Verona 2-1 in a crucial relegation battle.
Parma moved three points out of the drop zone, while Verona fell to the bottom of the table with a three-point difference.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
