Adams Double Stuns Roma as Torino Claim Thrilling 3-2 Coppa Italia Win
Key Takeaways
- • Torino secured a dramatic 3-2 Coppa Italia victory over AS Roma with Emirhan Ilkhan's 90th-minute winner
- • Ché Adams scored twice in the first half to give the visitors a commanding early advantage
- • AS Roma dominated possession with 61.2% but couldn't convert their territorial control into victory
- • The result sends Torino through to the next round while ending Roma's cup campaign
ROME, ITALY — Emirhan Ilkhan's dramatic 90th-minute winner capped a thrilling Coppa Italia encounter as Torino stunned AS Roma 3-2 at the Olimpico, overturning a second-half fightback to claim a memorable victory. Despite AS Roma controlling 61.2% of possession and creating numerous chances, it was the visitors who showed greater clinical edge when it mattered most.
The match exploded into life early as Ché Adams announced his intentions with a 12th-minute effort that forced Mile Svilar into his first save of the evening. The Scottish striker didn't have to wait long to make his mark, however, rifling home a superb strike from outside the box in the 35th minute after excellent build-up play from Nikola Vlasic. Adams' first goal showcased his technical ability, finding the bottom left corner with a perfectly placed right-footed effort that left Svilar with no chance.
AS Roma dominated the ball with 61.2% possession, pinning Torino back for long stretches, but found themselves frustrated by resolute defending and wasteful finishing. The Giallorossi created several promising opportunities in the first half but couldn't find the breakthrough, with their intricate passing moves often breaking down in the final third against a well-organized Torino defensive structure.
The second half began with immediate drama as Mario Hermoso leveled the score just one minute after the restart. Leon Bailey's precise cross found the Spanish defender unmarked in the center of the box, and Hermoso made no mistake with a composed left-footed finish to the bottom right corner. The goal energized the home crowd and seemed to shift momentum firmly in Roma's favor.
However, Torino's response was swift and decisive. Just seven minutes later, Adams doubled his tally with another clinical finish, this time from the center of the box. Vlasic once again turned provider, setting up the striker who calmly slotted home with his right foot to restore the visitors' advantage. The goal highlighted Torino's counter-attacking threat and Adams' predatory instincts in the penalty area.
The tactical battle intensified as both sides made crucial substitutions. Roma introduced Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné to add creativity and energy to their midfield, while Torino brought on fresh legs to maintain their defensive discipline. The statistics told the story of Roma's dominance - both teams registered 10 shots and 5 shots on target, but Torino's clinical finishing proved the difference.
Roma's desperation grew as the clock ticked down, and their persistence finally paid off in the 81st minute. Antonio Arena, introduced as a substitute, rose highest to meet Wesley's cross with a powerful header that found the bottom right corner. The goal set up a grandstand finish and seemed to have salvaged extra time for the hosts.
The Olimpico erupted as Roma pressed for a winner, with Dybala pulling the strings and creating several late chances. In the 68th minute, the Argentine had come close to scoring himself, forcing Alberto Paleari into a smart save with a well-struck effort from the left side of the box. Bryan Cristante also went close in stoppage time, his header requiring another fine save from the Torino goalkeeper.
But it was Torino who delivered the knockout blow in the most dramatic fashion possible. With the match seemingly heading to extra time, Emirhan Ilkhan pounced on a loose ball following a corner kick scramble. Cesare Casadei's header had been saved by Svilar, but the ball fell kindly for Ilkhan, who showed great composure to slot home from very close range with his left foot.
The final statistics revealed the cruel nature of football - Roma's territorial dominance counted for nothing as Torino's efficiency in front of goal proved decisive. Both teams picked up two yellow cards in what was a competitive but fair encounter, with Valentino Lazaro and Daniele Ghilardi cautioned for their respective sides.
Looking ahead, AS Roma will host Torino on January 18 in Serie A action, while Torino will welcome AS Roma on the same date, setting up an immediate opportunity for revenge in league competition.