Sunderland's final friendly of their pre-season trip to Portugal ended in a 2-0 defeat against Roma. There was little between the Black Cats and Jose Mourinho's Europa Conference League winners for most of the match, but when Italians began to make substitutions their extra quality showed.
Roma had hit the woodwork in the first half through ex-Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, and did so again in the second through sub Nicolo Zaniolo. Inbetween times, Leon Dajaku had an excellent chance to put Sunderland ahead but he shot tamely at keeper Mile Svilar.
Eventually subs Felix Afena-Gyan and Zaniolo scored the goals that decided the game inside the final 15 minutes. Here's how our Sunderland writer James Hunter rated the players.
