Applause should go to Roma and to Edin Džeko, who delivered a stunning hat-trick on a memorable night in the Europa League. Not only did Roma secure top spot in their group with a game to spare, but they also proudly carried the banner for Serie A in Europe. After their 4-1 triumph over Viktoria Plzeň, Roma celebrated back-to-back Europa League victories, a feat they had not achieved in six long years. For fans following international football updates through the Crickex App, this match was another reminder of how Italian clubs are striving to reclaim their presence on the continental stage.
The win was particularly timely, coming just days after a disappointing league defeat away to Atalanta. Roma’s dominant performance erased those dark clouds and injected much-needed confidence back into the squad. For Džeko, the night was extra special. His three goals underlined that he is playing at the peak of his powers this season — 10 goals in 13 Serie A matches and 5 goals in 4 Europa League games. Those numbers speak volumes. Although the match was full of chances at both ends, Roma’s clinical finishing made the difference. Goalkeeper Alisson also produced a heroic save in the second half that kept Roma firmly in control.
Džeko’s opener was described by Italian media as one of his best since joining the club. In the 11th minute, after a beautiful six-pass sequence, the ball reached him inside the box. With a clever feint to wrong-foot his marker, he slotted home with his left foot from a tight angle. After the game, Džeko reflected modestly: “It was a beautiful goal with my left, but I don’t know if it was my best. What matters most is that the team won, and we achieved that.” His performance was not limited to scoring — he linked up with teammates in attack and tracked back to contribute defensively, embodying the complete striker’s role.
Despite wasting a few chances, Džeko redeemed himself by adding two more goals in the 61st and 88th minutes to complete his hat-trick. Coach Luciano Spalletti showered praise on his star forward afterward. Another highlight came from Diego Perotti, whose spectacular rabona finish electrified the Stadio Olimpico. It was the kind of goal that instantly enters highlight reels and could easily be ranked among the finest of the Europa League season. The fans erupted, savoring the rare joy of seeing their team qualify early from a European group stage. For Roma supporters, this was more than just progress — it was belief that their side could advance much deeper into the tournament.
In contrast, Italian rivals Inter Milan and Sassuolo exited the competition without much surprise. Inter, from the moment they released their squad list, signaled their focus was firmly on domestic competition rather than Europe. Sassuolo, making their debut in continental football, were simply unprepared for the demands of battling on two fronts. Struggling near the relegation zone in Serie A, they had little choice but to abandon the Europa League campaign.
For Roma, though, the story is different. They are determined to lead the way for Italian football on the European stage. Nights like these, where Džeko shines and the team plays with conviction, offer hope that Serie A’s presence in Europe can once again be felt strongly. And for fans around the world staying updated through the Crickex App, Roma’s march forward serves as a reminder that tradition, resilience, and ambition still define the heart of Italian football.