How Italy media reacted to first Kostas Tsimikas Roma start

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AS Roma opened their Europa League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Nice on Wednesday night, thanks to second-half strikes from Evan Ndicka and captain Gianluca Mancini.

Liverpool loanee Kostas Tsimikas marked his first start for the Giallorossi by providing the assist for Mancini’s goal.

The match at Allianz Riviera remained goalless until the 52nd minute when Roma took the lead1

Lorenzo Pellegrini’s outswinging corner found Ndicka, who rose highest at the near post to power home with a firm header.

Three minutes later, Tsimikas combined with Rick Karsdorp on the left flank before delivering a pinpoint low cross that Mancini converted with a clinical finish

Nice pulled one back in the 77th minute through a Moffi penalty, awarded after a handball in the box.

However, Roma held on to secure all three points despite late pressure from the home side.

Kostas Tsimikas vs Nice3

It was the first start for Kostas Tsimikas as he tries to break into manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

He managed to grab an assist and generally impressed on his full debut.

Il Romanista gave the on-loan man a 6.5/10 and wrote:

“He starts without overdoing it, but he finds the assist for the second goal.”

Gazetta Dello Sport gave the Greek international  6.5/10 as well.

Meanwhile, Italy outlet Sportsmediaset likewise gave the Liverpool loanee a 6.5/10 and noted his slow start to the game as well:

“He has space on the left and after a shy start he takes yards of field and increases in danger.”

“It follows the sweet assist for Mancini’s doubling.”

With Roma now sitting atop Group G after matchday one, attention turns to their next Serie A clash against Verona this weekend.

For Tsimikas, the performance will bolster his bid for regular minutes in Serie A and European competition.

READ MORE: Crystal Palace receive double injury boost ahead of Liverpool clash

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