Cesena 2 : 3 AS Roma - Enrique ends with win

Posted Sunday, May 13, 2012 by PA

Roma coach Luis Enrique celebrated his last game in charge with a 3-2 victory over Cesena on the final day of the Serie A season.

Simone Del Nero scored for the hosts in the ninth minute only for Bojan Krkic to equalise before the half-hour mark.

Erik Lamela put Roma in front for the first time in the 32nd minute and team-mate Daniele De Rossi made it 3-1 four minutes into the second half.

Mario Santana gave Cesena a late lifeline, but Roma held on for their 15th win of the campaign to finish seventh in the table, level on 56 points with Parma.

Enrique had confirmed ahead of the game at the Dino Manuzzi stadium that he would not continue at the helm of the Giallorossi despite having a year left on his contract.

The Spaniard had replaced Vincenzo Montella last summer but failed to guide Roma to European qualification for next season.

Cesena, meanwhile, ended a dismal season on a losing note.

The Cavallucci Marini had already been relegated earlier this month after two consecutive campaigns in the top flight.

The home side took an early lead when Santana fed Del Nero in the heart of the area and he fired past Roma goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont.

Marco Parolo almost doubled Cesena's lead, but his 12-yard strike was kept out by Lobont.

Roma drew level in the 27th minute when Bojan got his head to Lamela's cross and his powerful effort beat Cesena goalkeeper Nicola Ravaglia.

The visitors went in front five minutes later when Francesco Totti spotted Lamela just outside the area and his left-footed strike towards the right corner caught Ravaglia by surprise.

Roma continued to push forward and were unlucky not to extend their lead before half-time as Bojan's drive from 30 yards crashed off the bar.

The Giallorossi extended their lead when De Rossi's eight-yard header from Marquinho's cross beat Ravaglia early in the second half.

Cesena could have reduced the deficit after the hour mark but Lobont saved Mattia Filippi's goalbound attempt.

The hosts scored a second goal when Santana connected with Steve Von Bergen's assist and struck a right-footed shot from 12 yards past Lobont.