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Nani’s Venice (1-1 against Empoli) and Sergio Oliveira’s Roma (1-0 against Cagliari) can be satisfied with their new reinforcements, who arrived this week and are already decisive.
Nani and Sergio Oliveira, the two Portuguese rookies of the week in Serie A, made their debuts on Sunday. The first was the author of a decisive pass worth a point for Venice. The second scored a capital goal with Roma against Cagliari (1-0).
Nani gave David Okereke the equalizing goal for Venice against Empoli (1-1), just seconds after coming on (73rd), on the 22nd day of Serie A. “It’s a very good start, the team had a good match”, welcomed the 2016 European champion.
“I haven’t trained a lot with the team, I’m not currently in the best condition, but when you want to do things well, it’s possible,” added the Portuguese, 35, who played these last three seasons in the North American championship, in Orlando, after having notably enjoyed the heyday of Manchester United. Venice had been 0-1 down at home since the 26th minute (Szymon Zurkowski’s goal) when he came on to bring the equaliser.
Sergio Oliveira has done himself justice
Sergio Oliveira, 29, wanted by his compatriot José Mourinho to strengthen the midfield of AS Roma, also made an impression by scoring the only goal for the Giallorossi against Cagliari, from the penalty spot (33rd). This penalty was whistled for a handball from a Sardinian defender on a shot from the Portuguese, on loan from FC Porto with the option to buy.
Roma, dominating but unable to add another goal, remained under threat from relegation until the end. She was even saved at the end of the match by another Portuguese, her goalkeeper Rui Patricio, decisive and helped by his bar in front of Joao Pedro (84th). This narrow victory was enough for the Louve, who returned to the height of Lazio Rome in 6th place and ended a series of three games without a win (one draw, two defeats).
(AFP)