Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham have gone from outcasts to heroes

Roma won their first major European trophy on Wednesday evening after beating Feyenoord in the Europa Conference League final in Tirana. 

Their victory in Europe's third-tier club competition saw Jose Mourinho pick up his first trophy since Manchester United's Europa League triumph in 2017. 

Chris Smalling was part of the United side that overcame Ajax in Stockholm five years ago and played a defining role in Roma's success on Wednesday night.

The 32-year-old defender produced a man-of-the-match performance to help the Serie A side keep a clean sheet and secure their first title since 2008. 

Smalling made several crucial blocks in the early stages of the second half and kept the competition's leading goal scorer - Cyriel Dessers - incredibly quiet.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Tammy Abraham helped Roma threaten Feyenoord's defence. His most memorable moment of the game came when he was through on goal before being taken down by Marcos Senesi. 

It comes as no surprise that these two players have rediscovered their form in Italy after their disappointing spells in the Premier League.      

Serie A has long been a home away from home for English footballers and this season is no different. Both Smalling and Abraham have flourished in the Italian top-flight this season. 

Smalling has turned himself into a defensive fortress, while Abraham has become a goal scoring phenomenon in Rome.  

Sportsmail have taken a look back at their careers in England and analysed how they have developed since moving to Italy. 

Chris Smalling joined Roma from Manchester United in an £18million deal in October 2020 after impressing on loan with the Serie A side. 

Smalling decided signed for Roma on a temporary basis after former