El Shaarawy celebrates birthday by scoring Roma's winner over Bologna

Stephan El Shaarawy celebrated his 25th birthday with an absolutely outrageous volley that saw Roma win an intriguing clash with Bologna 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, as the Giallorossi bashed heads with Roberto Donadoni's attack-minded side. "The Pharaoh" met an overhit 33rd-minute corner with the instep of his left foot, somehow passing the ball into the top corner, giving Roma their third 1-0 win and nine points in a week ahead of Chelsea's visit to the Eternal City on Tuesday.

Eusebio Di Francesco's heavy rotation -- eight changes from Crotone -- bore fruit as Roma played a much more fluid, and forward-looking football than in midweek, with a mobile midfield and buzzing wingers supported by a buccaneering Alessandro Florenzi at right-back, and Edin Dzeko striking neat little partnership with Gregoire Defrel, who despite being played out of position on the right wing did his part in helping Dzeko free himself from Bologna's tight marking.

Dzeko, who was excellent up front, had a goal ruled out for the tightest of offside decisions seven minutes after the break but should have buried a free header from another corner just before El Shaarawy won the game for the hosts. Just as important as his winner however, and only a minute before, was Alisson's fantastic point-blank save from Adam Masina's header. The Brazilian will be key on Tuesday and that save showed what a big player he is for Di Francesco and Roma this season.

Positives

Seven clean sheets in 11 games is a remarkable return for a team that is routinely sees five or six players changed from game to game, and despite all Bologna's neat counter-attacks, the away side only managed two shots on target. Players like El Shaarawy and Defrel, who don't play every week slotted in and performed well, as did Juan Jesus, who is gaining in confidence alongside the silky smooth Federico Fazio.

Negatives

In the first half Roma created a series of chances and promising attacking positions that really need to be taken advantage of. Dzeko in particular missed an absolute sitter that a striker of his quality should be burying 100 percemt of the time. They'll need to be more clinical on Tuesday.

Manager rating

7 -- Having to deal with so many injuries (Defrel picking up the latest muscle knock on Roma's growing list) doesn't seem to have fazed Di Francesco, who has involved everyone in the squad and has got players like Gerson offering something when before they were mere shadows at Trigoria.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Alisson, 7 -- Made a sensational stop just before El Shaarawy smashed home his opener.

DF Alessandro Florenzi, 7 -- His battle with Federico Di Francesco was one of the highlights of the evening. He more than held his own.

DF Federico Fazio, 7 -- Excellent, as he has been since replacing Kostas Manolas against Napoli. Truly an excellent touch for a big man.

DF Juan Jesus, 7 -- The Brazilian's even starting attacks these days.