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Roma moved into second place in Serie A with a comfortable win over Sassuolo, a result built on a collective display that bears the imprint of Mario Hermoso. The Spanish defender broke the deadlock against Sassuolo with a striker's finish, combining with Malen before scoring. It is his third goal of the season, a return that pairs defensive solidity with a significant attacking contribution, and he has become one of the immovable pillars of Gian Piero Gasperini's side. La Repubblica reports that Hermoso's journey at Trigoria represents a gamble that has paid off for the coach. After a difficult period following his arrival in September 2024 and a subsequent loan to Bayer Leverkusen, the defender has regained his place in the team and his motivation under Gasperini. The club's push up the table is built on a solid, confident group capable of shrugging off setbacks and looking ambitiously towards the top of the standings. The squad has also shown important contributions from those behind the starters, as confirmed by the team's positive run and its handling of the key moments of the match against Sassuolo. Hermoso spoke about the change in his situation: "I had the feeling the club was looking for different profiles, but when the new season started, thanks to Gasperini, everything changed," he said, expressing great gratitude to the coach for giving him back the pleasure of playing without fear. With his contract running until 2027, talks to tie him down and keep him in Rome are already well under way. Looking ahead, sporting director Tony D'Amico has set out the club's clear line for the January transfer window, confirming the intention to bring a new attacking winger to Gasperini.

Mario Hermoso has gone from being on the fringes of Roma's project in July 2025 to an undisputed starter and an added goal threat under Gian Piero Gasperini. Having returned from a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, the Spanish defender has completely reversed his standing thanks to his work and the coach's trust. His late winner against Sassuolo, a fine finish after a exchange of passes with Malen, took his tally to three goals this season. That haul also includes the equaliser for 1-1 against Atalanta, which sparked Roma's comeback, and a goal against Slovan Bratislava. According to Il Messaggero, beyond his goals the Spanish centre-back stands out for his consistency and tactical reliability. The numbers back this up: he is third in Serie A for interceptions and second in the squad for pass completion, at 88%. Hermoso is not alone in finding the net. Roma's defence is contributing heavily to the attack, with Balerdi scoring two goals, both decisive, including the brace at Napoli and the equaliser at the Maradona. Ndicka and Ghilardi have one goal each. In total, Roma's defenders have scored 11 goals across Serie A and the Champions League, accounting for 27.5% of the team's goals. His outstanding form has prompted the club to move quickly to secure the defender's future. His current contract expires at the end of the season but, unlike his previous deal, it contains no automatic unilateral extension clause. Talks between the parties have therefore already begun, aiming for a two-year renewal that would allow the club to spread his wages. Both sides are fully committed to continuing together, and Gasperini's continued presence on the bench provides stability for the technical project. Looking ahead on the transfer market, sporting director D'Amico has said the club will act in January to give Gasperini a new attacking winger, with Gittens currently in pole position.

Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico has confirmed the club is already looking ahead to the January transfer window, with the priority being a new wide attacker to add unpredictability and penetration to the forward line for Gian Piero Gasperini. Speaking to the microphones before the match at the Olimpico, D'Amico outlined the club's needs. The move reflects an analysis of the first part of the season, in which the side has shown a need to find alternative solutions to add more danger in attack and to address dips in intensity in the second halves. The market department's list includes several interesting names. Among the favourites are Gittens of Chelsea, Kvernadze of Frosinone and Endrick of Real Madrid, profiles that match the identikit drawn up by the club's management to strengthen the Roma attacking flank in the coming months. D'Amico said: "We are missing a winger with pace, someone for the counter-attack. We will try to sign him in January, evaluating the opportunities, to give these characteristics to the mister."