Roma were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with FC Porto on Wednesday evening, despite a positive overall performance in the Algarve.
In what was far and away the most intensive, combative 90 minutes of pre-season so far for the side, Gianluca Mancini’s header early in the second half looked to be sending the Giallorossi on the way to a fifth-straight victory since preparations for the new campaign began.
But a late equaliser from Vitor Ferreira ultimately ensured the game ended with both sides sharing the spoils.
Jose Mourinho named a strong starting XI at the Estadio Municipal de Bela Vista – and only resorted to making major changes late in the contest, such was his clear desire to give those starters a sustained runout.
In the first half the Giallorossi had plenty of the ball but struggled to turn that into clear-cut opportunities; they perhaps had goalkeeper Rui Patricio – who made two sublime saves – to thank for the fact it remained 0-0 at the break.
In the second half, however, Mourinho’s side were increasingly dominant. Their reward eventually came from a set-piece, as Mancini headed home from Nicolo Zaniolo’s delivery to break the deadlock.
It would not prove enough to clinch the win – but the boss will no doubt take the positives from a game against opponents who start their competitive season in just 10 days’ time.
Roma, meanwhile, have further friendlies upcoming – including against Real Betis in just over a week’s time.
PORTO 1-1 ROMA
Scorers: V. Ferreira (89′); Mancini (56′)
Roma starting XI: Rui Patricio; Karsdorp, Mancini, Smalling, Calafiori, Darboe (Villar, HT), Diawara, Zaniolo, Pellegrini, Mkhitaryan, Dzeko.
(Photo LaPresse)