Epifani Hits Three as Frosinone Floor Roma
Franco Epifani scored all three goals in a 3-1 win over Roma, a hat-trick that flattened the visitors and lit up Serie A.
Who says a free transfer cannot decide a night like this? Franco Epifani arrived at Frosinone from Perugia in July with no fee and little fuss, and on Wednesday he tore Roma apart with three goals in a 3-1 win.
Frosinone had 55% of the ball and only five shots, but four of them were on target and Epifani took three. He did not waste a single attempt: three shots, three on target, three goals, and 12.7 kilometres run. A 9.4 rating and the player-of-the-match award were the least he deserved.
Roma had their moments. They hit the woodwork and Fan Ding, on in the 57th minute, pulled one back to make it 3-1. Domenico Marino had three shots worth 1.02 in expected goals and could not take any of them.
Behind Epifani, Gaetano Sartori was outstanding from left-back with two assists and 62 of 68 passes, and Angelo Sturba won five tackles and made six interceptions. Frosinone lost Emanuele Roberto at half-time and still held firm.
Roma changed shape and personnel, Luca Tavassi and Jajá on at the break, Dave Baulcombe and Paolo Mele soon after. None of it stopped Epifani.
Frosinone's supporters have waited a long time for a night like this against the capital club, and they will not forget the man who delivered it. Six goals in eleven games now for Epifani, and Frosinone are entitled to believe.