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The Super Eagles star was on target as Cremonese continued their giant-killing run in the Coppa Italia.
Super Eagles striker was AS Roma’s nemesis after scoring in Cremonese’s stunning 2-1 win in their Coppa Italia quarter-final clash at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday.
It has been a tough debut season for the Nigerian in Italy, but he had one of his biggest nights as he led Cremonese to an unlikely win over Jose Mourinho’s men.
How Dessers fired Cremonese to victory over Roma
It was a result not many would have predicted as The Gray and Reds had not won in the league this season, with eight draws and 12 losses.
However, they came into their Coppa Italia clash full of confidence after knocking out Serie A leaders Napoli in the round of 16.
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Cremonese coach David Ballardini named a strong lineup with Dessers and Frank Tsadjout leading the line, although there was no space for David Okereke, who scored a stunner against Inter Milan last weekend.
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Meanwhile, Mourinho rested a couple of his star players after that energy-sapping loss to Napoli over the weekend.
The former Chelsea could be forgiven, though, as Roma still had enough quality on the pitch to beat Serie A’s bottom side.
Roma did start on the front foot, dominating possession as expected. Benjamin Tahirović had the first chance of the game, but the Swedish youngster’s volley was easily dealt with by Mouhamadou Sarr.
Mourinho’s men continued to dominate possession but could not find a way past a well-organised Cremonese side.
Roma’s failure to create clear chances would eventually come back to haunt them as Cremonese took the lead against the run of play through Dessers, who fired home from the spot after Rui Patricio had upended him in the box.
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Dessers goal sent the 60,000 fans at the Olimpico into silence as Cremonese went into the break with the lead.
Mourinho's changes could not save Roma
Mourinho reacted by making four changes at half-time, including Dybala coming on for Cristian Volpato.
However, it had little effect as Cremonese doubled their lead four minutes after the restart through an own goal from Celik.
The goal did bring more energy from Roma, who showed more urgency in their play. The home side had the chance to pull one back after Nemanja Matic found Tammy Abraham with a delightful ball.
However, the ex-Chelsea man hit the post from 12 yards, with only the keeper to beat. The miss eventually proved costly as Belotti pulled one back for Mourinho’s men in the final minute of added time.
However, it was a little too late for the home side as Cremonese progressed to the semi-final where they will meet Fiorentina.
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