Ten minutes into the second half of Roma’s crunch Serie A clash against leaders Napoli on Sunday night, Jose Mourinho produced a moment with which all football fans are familiar.
His side had set up to contain their opponents with a deep block – an entirely justifiable approach considering Napoli – Europe’s most vibrant attacking team this season – had stormed their way to 32 goals in their previous 10 matches, all of which had ended up with victories. Four of those came against Liverpool, and six against Ajax.
Yet Roma were overwhelmed in terms of both possession and territory by their opponents at the Stadio Olimpico, where it was Luciano Spalletti’s side who looked like the home side throughout. In the 55th minute, Roma had appeared to break through Napoli’s midfield only for the referee to correctly blow up for a free-kick – sparking Mourinho’s anger.
