According to Opta data, Nicolò Zaniolo was the Italian MVP from matchday 23 in Serie A. The 22-year-old produced a fantastic performance as part of a great team display by Roma, who scored at least four first-half goals for the first time since December 2020 (five goals against Bologna) and triumphed over Empoli.

While Englishman Tammy Abraham made the headlines with a brace, Zaniolo had a hand in two goals, scoring the Giallorossi’s fourth following Mkhitaryan’s assist. In doing so, he carried on his really good form (he now has two goals and an assist in his last five league appearances).

Zaniolo has netted twice this season, with both of these finishes coming in away matches. This isn’t atypical for the Giallorossi No.22: he’s scored 50% of his Serie A goals on the road (6/12).

At the Castellani, he created three chances for his teammates, produced four crosses and was at the centre of Roma’s attacking play, especially in the first half.

Zaniolo’s stats against Empoli

Goals: 1

Touches: 36

Chances created: 3

Dribbles: 2

Crosses: 4