AS Roma became the first-ever Europa Conference League champions downing Feyenoord Rotterdam for their first major European title in more than 60 years.
Nicolo Zaniolo’s first-half goal was enough to earn his side a 1-0 victory in Albania.
The 22-year-old steered the ball home in the 32nd minute with a left-footed touch, after chesting it down, to seal the new third-tier club competition which was introduced just this season.
Roma, whose previous continental title came back in 1961, did have to hold off a spirited comeback from their Dutch opponents in the second half who were unlucky not to score after being denied twice by the woodwork.
Roma’s goalkeeper Rui Patricio also had to make vital saves as Feyenoord took the game to the Italians while enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
But defensive, counterattacking football is Mourinho’s specialty as the Dutch looked susceptible to the tactic.
Zaniolo’s goal started with a ball over the top from center back Gianluca Mancini that he controlled with his chest before pushing the ball past onrushing goalkeeper Justin Bijlow with the tip of his boot.
At 22 years and 327 days, Zaniolo became the youngest Italian player to score in a European final since Alessandro Del Piero’s goal at 22 years and 200 days for Juventus in a loss to Borussia Dortmund in 1997 Champions League final.
Feyenoord came out all guns blazing after the break and quickly hit the post twice, first with a close-range effort from Gernot Trauner then with a long-range blast from Tyrell Malacia that Patricio palmed off the upright.
Despite going close they could not find the equalizer until the final whistle.
With the Europa Conference League under his belt, Mourinho extended his perfect record in European finals to five trophies in five matches.
Jose Mourinho also became the first manager to win a European trophy with four different clubs.
