Tottenham ended their preparations for the new Premier League season with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Roma as Jose Mourinho tasted victory over his former side in Israel.
Paulo Dybala made his debut for the Serie A club after completing a free transfer from Juventus earlier this week, and it was the Argentine’s corner that was headed in the 29th minute by Roger Ibanez at the stadium. Haifa International Movement.
In sweltering conditions, the players were given halftime break at one of the two halves, and while Spurs emerged normal after a typical fiery encounter involving Antonio Conte’s side, Mourinho would spark the game. First loss of pre-season to his former owners.
Roma’s Paulo Dybala made his debut in Israel
Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma made their first appearances for Spurs since their summer move, with the former looking bright and having three near-scoring attempts from distance, while Harry Kane missed opportunities. late header from the center of Ryan Sessegnon to equalize.
Roma were the stronger side in the first half, and Dybala could have ended his debut with a goal in the first 60 seconds as he swept Nicolo Zaniolo’s keeper only to be denied by an instinctive brace of Hugo Lloris.
Jose Mourinho talks to his Roma team
Kane would also be denied in the first 45 minutes by an offside call after finding the bottom corner after a good link situation with Dejan Kulusevski, but the chances were higher in a heavily disrupted second half involved to many replacements.
Kane felt he should have earned a penalty when he caught a Lucas Moura cross and was seemingly dragged to the ground by Ibanez inside the box, but the referee awarded Roma a free kick for a waving arms.
A fan takes a selfie with Tottenham’s Harry Kane
Despite not registering a shot on target, Conte will be encouraged by the performances of his new signings with Clement Lenglet and Richarlison showing promising moments after the restart, with a The Brazilian ‘s moment of excellence almost led to a scoring opportunity .
Conte, like Mourinho, is a consecutive winner, so ending the pre-season on a losing streak would disappoint him with the majority of those who started against Roma likely to do the same. next weekend.
Roma’s Roger Ibanez scores the opener
Analysis: Perisic stands out for Spurs
Tottenham and AS Roma players clash
Sky Sports football journalist Ben Grounds:
“A sweet moment for Jose Mourinho at the time, who always liked to win no matter what, especially against his former club. The Portuguese had 17 months at Tottenham, but he She was unable to present the silver trophy sought by Daniel Levy.
“Roma is reinventing themselves under his watch, and in Paulo Dybala they have the jewel that can be the difference-maker. Roma fans have welcomed him with thousands of people. admitted it this week, and it was his corner that ultimately led to the goal that decided this friendly moment.
Nicola Zalewski and Dejan Kulusevski compete for the ball
“Dybala really should have made his debut with a goal in the first minute, twice being denied by Lloris from close range in the same play but when he started in the 60th minute he could contemplate a great night.
“As for Conte, he faces a selection headache this week ahead of the Premier League opening game against Southampton. Who partnered with Eric Dier and Cristian Romero in defence?
“Which combination does he choose in midfield? Who is his starting full-back? Ryan Sessegnon made very few mistakes when he was brought on, but Ivan Perisic showed his class in this game. first time on the field.
“On this evidence, I would be surprised if he wasn’t in the XI against the saints.”
What’s next?
Tottenham begin their Premier League campaign next Saturday at home to Southampton (3pm match), while Roma complete their pre-season program with a friendly against Shakhtar Donetsk on the same day.
