The yellow-reds smash Pecchi’s team thanks to a superb performance by the Argentine playmaker. Saelemaekers, Paredes, and Dovbyk also found the back of the net.

The mighty Roma did not disappoint in the last match of the year at Stadio Olimpico. The Scarlet and Golds demolish Parma 5-0, thanks to goals by Saelemaekers, Paredes, Dovbyk, and a spectacular double by Dybala, dispelling any transfer rumors. The Argentine also serves up a beautiful assist for the Ukrainian striker’s final goal. For this challenge, Ranieri relies on the usual three-man defense with Mancini, the rediscovered Hummels, and Ndicka in front of Svilar (absent in Coppa Italia). On the external lanes Saelemaekers and Angeliño, while the midfield duo Koné-Paredes is reformed. A wonderful central break by Sohm, who plays a neat vertical pass to Bonny. The visiting striker takes control and hits a cross with his right foot, just brushing the right post of Svilar. Three minutes later, Roma also signs up for the game, developing the action superbly, freeing Angeliño for a low and tight cross. On the Spaniard’s suggestion, Dovbyk arrives, who cuts in well at the near post and shoots with his left foot, however, he is unable to find the target. Parma immediately lose the ball during construction and in the turnover, Balogh brings down Dybala in the area: according to Di, it’s a penalty. Dovbyk’s superb heel pass for the Argentine presents him from the spot and he wrong-foots Suzuki making the Olimpico explode. The Parma goalkeeper is extremely skillful, making an impressive save on Koné’s shot a few minutes later. Roma dominates the field and the 2-0 lead is not far off. A flawless cross on the second post by Angeliño where Saelemaekers arrives and delivers a right-footed volley, defeating Suzuki on his post. For the Belgian, it’s the second goal in the last three championships (in between, an assist for Dovbyk in the Italian Cup as well). Parma attempts a comeback with a right-footed shot from outside the area by Hernani that demands a spectacular save from Svilar. The match is captivating, lively, and filled with opportunities for both Roma and Parma. First, the yellow-reds nearly sealed the third goal with a close-range header by El Shaarawy, but it was thwarted by Suzuki. Then the visitors created another threat towards Svilar with Sohm’s shot, anticipating the first post, which ended up off target. At the sunset of the first half, the Pharaoh squandered the 3-0 goal by kicking right into Suzuki. At the 66th minute, a tremendous opportunity for Parma with a venomous right-foot strike from distance by Camara that smashes against the crossbar. Svilar stands still, fooled by the trajectory. Roma continues to dominate and earns another penalty kick at the 72nd minute. Mihaila, who just stepped onto the field, brings down Saelemaekers inside the box. For Di Bello, there’s no doubt about it. From the penalty spot, Paredes steps up, once again wrong-foots Suzuki, and slams in the fourth goal. The yellow-reds are running rampant with Artem Dovbyk making an outstanding contribution by scoring the fifth goal of the match. The Ukrainian only needs to tap in the ‘chocolate box’ passed to him by Dybala (the standout player on the field). The Argentine is hungry for a hat-trick which however doesn’t come because of a glaring mistake from inside the penalty box. Available: Ryan, Marin, Sangaré, Hermoso, Celik, Dahl, Baldanzi, Le Fée, Pisilli Pellegrini, Zalewski, Soulé, Shomurodov. Coach: Ranieri. PARMA (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Coulibaly, Delprato (replaced by Valenti at the 54th minute), Balogh, Valeri (subbed out for Benedyczak at the 58th minute) ; Hernani; Sohm; Man, Haj Mohamed (came off for Camara at the 46th minute), Almqvist (exchanged for Cancellieri at the 54th minute); Bonny (substituted by Mihaila at the 70th minute). On the bench: Chichizola, Corvi, Hainaut, Camara, Trabucchi, Valenti, Mihaila, Benedyczak. Coach: Pecchia.

Referee: Di Bello from the Brindisi division. Assistants: Lo Cicero-Fontemurati. Fourth Official: Galipò. VAR: Di Paolo. Assistant VAR: Campione. Scorers: Dybala strikes at 8′, Saelemaekers at 13′, Dybala steps up again at 50′, Paredes at 74′, and Dovbyk surprises everyone at 83′ (R).

Booked players: Troubles brewing for Bonny (P), Almqvist (P), and Angeliño (R).