Roma had accumulated a meagre 13 points in 12 league games when Claudio Ranieri was instated into the capital club’s hot seat in mid-November. Since then, a rich vein of form has seen Giallorossi unbeaten in nine, and aiming to bridge the gap to sixth-placed Fiorentina to only two points.
They had to make do without topscorers Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala, who were injured and benched respectively, resulting from the brutal exploits of a tight European double-header victory over FC Porto.
Momentum was with the home side from the off and it was a matter of when not if against the league’s bottom side. Without a goal to his name after three in four over the Christmas period, it was AC Milan loanee Saelemaekers who opened the scoring in remarkable fashion from distance.
Cutting in off the right-hand side, the Belgian was afforded way too much space before unleashing an unstoppable curling effort into the top corner.
The Monza left flank had been clearly targeted by Roma, who directed traffic down the same channel time after time.
And that method came to fruition once more when provider of the first goal Eldor Shomurodov got on the end of Matias Soule’s inch-perfect cross from the right to take a two-goal cushion into the break.
Despite having only 27% possession and fielding 14 shots on goal during a first-half onslaught, Monza did at least ensure Mile Svilar was on his toes late in the half saving well as Dany Mota and Silvere Ganvoula took aim.
They breathed a huge sigh of relief when both goal scorers were replaced by Ranieri, but were caught cold down the opposing flank when Angelino nipped in before Bryan Cristante rounded off a perfect evening.
They say you should never go back to your ex, which may not be what reinstated Nesta wants to hear after his sacking less than two months prior. He may be preparing for life in Serie B with only 12 games remaining, as they face a monumental task to overhaul their form.
Roma on the other hand are on the crest of a wave, with three bottom half sides up next alongside their UEFA Europa League knockout phase over Athletic Bilbao.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Eldor Shomurodov (Roma)