Paulo Dybala Scores In Europa League Final After Jose Mourinho Mind Games

Paulo Dybala scored the opening goal of the 2023 UEFA Europa League final after being handed a surprise start by Roma manager Jose Mourinho.

Dybala had not started a game in almost seven weeks after suffering from an adductor injury followed by ankle problems.

Mourinho had said on the eve of Wednesday’s final against Sevilla that Dybala would likely only be fit enough to play for “20 to 30 minutes”.

But that appeared to be Mourinho playing mind games because his star striker sharply fired Roma 1-0 up 35 minutes into the match.

© Provided by FanNation Futbol Roma striker Paulo Dybala (no.21) pictured scoring against Sevilla in the 2023 UEFA Europa League final IMAGO/PA Images/Adam Davy

Dybala produced a clinical two-touch finish after being played through on goal by Roma defender Gianluca Mancini.

This was Dybala’s 17th goal of the season for Roma and his fifth in the Europa League.