Nicola Zaniolo goal was the difference as Roma beats Feyenoord 1-0 at Arena Kombetare stadium in Tirana, Albania last night to be crowned the first-ever champions of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
The hard-earned victory over the Dutch side makes Jose Mourinho the first manager to win all three UEFA major competition which includes the Champions League, Europa League, and now the Europa Conference League.
Feyenoord was kept in their half for the first 30 minutes and Roma’s domination paid when Gianluca Mancini made a diagonal pass from the right-hand side of the midfield to find Zaniolo, who then controlled the ball with his chest before poking it into the back of the net to give Roma the well-deserved lead.
The competition’s top scorer, Cyril Dessers was not much of a threat for Roma’s defense line led by former Manchester United man, Chris Smalling but the Super Eagles striker could have leveled things for his side in the second half, a late challenge from Roger Ibáñez kept the ball of the striker’s feet before he could place a shot.
Although Feyenoord lost Arne Slot and his boys would be proud of what they have achieved since the start of the competition. Dessers was awarded the top scorer award with 10 goals edging Roma’s in-form forward, Tammy Abraham with 9 goals.
Mourinho’s men end the season on a high note with this win making it the fifth clean sheet in six games for the team. This is also the first-ever European title for the Giallorossi and their major trophy since winning the Copa Italia in 2008.