Dybala compared to Totti after hat-trick but Roma ‘can’t thank’ Mourinho enough

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated 2/27/24

Italian sports papers understandably praised Paulo Dybala after a hat-trick against Torino on Monday, but Il Corriere dello Sport editor Ivan Zazzaoni insisted the Giallorossi ‘can’t thank José Mourinho enough’ for bringing La Joya to the capital.

Dybala played a key role in Roma‘s 3-2 win over Torino on Monday evening, scoring a hat-trick that helped the Giallorossi remain four points below fourth-placed Bologna in the Serie A table.

As reported by TMW, Dybala was rated 8/10 by Gazzetta and Tuttosport and 8.5/10 by Il Corriere dello Sport.

The ex-Juventus striker was even compared to Roma legend Francesco Totti on CorSport’s Pagelle (player ratings).

“With those feet, he invented football and, like a playmaker, he dictated the tempo,” wrote the Rome-based paper.

“With those feet, he scored the seventh penalty this season and an extraordinary goal. Dybala like Totti.”

Vinícius Jr and ex-Juventus teammates react to Dybala’s hat-trick for Roma – pictures

Corriere dello Sport’s editor Ivan Zazzaroni offered another angle on Dybala’s performance.

He admitted that “Paolino” was “spectacular” against Torino and was a “joy for the eyes.” At the same time, however, he mentioned ex-Roma coach Mourinho saying the Giallorossi must thank the Special One for persuading Dybala to move to the Stadio Olimpico in 2022.

“Roma will never thank enough the person who convinced the Argentinean star to move to the capital, even if I should stop pouring sugar on Mourinho as I may become pedantic, which I am.”

Dybala has scored 12 goals in 25 games across all competitions this season. His contract at the Stadio Olimpico runs out in June 2025.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: