Teen Zaniolo scores two as Roma beats Porto
ROME >> Nicolo Zaniolo had already made a name for himself in Italy this season. Tuesday, he introduced himself on the European stage as well.
The 19-year-old Zaniolo became the youngest Italian player to score two goals in a Champions League match as he led Roma to a 2-1 win at home against Porto in the first leg of the round of 16.
Zaniolo had never played a game in Italy’s top flight before this season but has emerged as one of Serie A’s most promising talents since his transfer from Inter Milan last summer as part of the deal which saw Radja Nainggolan move the other way.
And he added his first Champions League goals by netting the 70th and 76th minute for Roma, before Adrian Lopez pulled one back for Porto three minutes later to give the visitors hope ahead of the return leg on March 6.
“It’s a memorable night that I will never forget in my life,” Zaniolo said. “Celebrating under the Curva Sud was an incredible emotion, I hope I will score many more important goals for Roma.
“The late goal we conceded can be tricky for us ahead of the return leg but we will just continue working hard to try finishing the job in Portugal.”
Zaniolo received his first call-up to the senior Italy team in September, even before making his Serie A debut.
“Zaniolo will become a real champion, not just according to me but according to everyone,” Roma captain Daniele De Rossi said. “His physical strength is incredible for a guy of his age and he combines it with great technique.” PARIS SAINT-GERMAN 2, MANCHESTER UNITED 0>> Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain handed Manchester United a reality check under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, winning in the Champions League last-16 Tuesday to inflict the interim manager’s first loss.
Angel Di Maria was the architect of both goals in the first leg on his return to Old Trafford as PSG more than coped without injured forwards Neymar and Edinson Cavani.
The winger’s corner was volleyed in by Presnel Kimpembe for his first PSG goal in the 53rd minute. After having a bottle thrown at him by United fans and taking a sip, Di Maria helped to complete a counterattack by crossing for the advancing Mbappe to score.
United will be without Paul Pogba in the second leg March 6 in Paris after he received a second yellow card in the 89th minute for a lunge on Dani Alves.