Super Dessers helps Cremonese break 36-year barrier

The Grigiorossi are fast forming a reputation as giant killers in the Copa Italia, and they continued their blistering run against Mourinho’s Roma

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers scored the opening goal for Cremonese to send them to their first Copa Italia semifinal since 1987.

Cremonese have been poor in Serie A this season. They have failed to win a game, and they are rooted at the bottom of the league.

However, they raised eyebrows when they knocked out Napoli in the round of 16 of the Copa Italia. And they were looking to continue that run when they visited the Stadio Olimpico to take on Roma.

Cremonese got a dream start, as they were awarded a penalty after Rui Patricio was penalized for fouling Dessers in the box.

Dessers took no chances from the spot, as he calmly dispatched the spot kick to give Cremonese the lead after 28 minutes.

The Grigiorossi managed to hold on to their lead despite the barrage of attacks from Roma. Dessers was replaced by Okereke at halftime. Before he was hauled off, the former Genk man registered 15 touches and one tackle.

Then in the second half, Roma defender Zeki Celik gifted Cremonese a second goal after he put the ball in his own net while attempting to clear it.

Andrea Bellotti pulled one back for Roma in stoppage time, but it was only as consolation as Cremonese picked the semifinal ticket with the 2-1 victory.

The result ensures that Cremonese will play their first Copa Italia semifinal since the 1986/87 season according to Opta.