De Roon: Gasperini's most loyal voice

Rodrigo Mora has scored three consecutive Serie A goals for Roma, and has earned his first senior call-up to the Portugal national team for Nations League matches against Denmark (14 November) and Wales (17 November). The 19-year-old's latest strike came against Sassuolo, a left-footed...

Roma's defenders are proving decisive this season, with Mario Hermoso among the central figures in Gian Piero Gasperini's side. Hermoso opened the scoring in a difficult match against Sassuolo with a finish more typical of a striker, and he has now reached three goals this season. He is not alone. Leonardo Balerdi scored twice in the win at Napoli, the second of which was decisive in securing a draw at the Maradona. Evan N'Dicka and Daniele Ghilardi have each scored once, with N'Dicka's goal coming in Udine last week. In total, Roma's defenders have scored seven goals across Serie A and the Champions League. According to Daniele Aloisi writing in Il Messaggero, the defensive unit's contribution goes beyond goals. Ghilardi has also registered two assists, as has Gianluca Mancini, who was out injured yesterday. Koulierakis has yet to find the net this season. Together, the defenders have been involved in eleven of Roma's forty goals this season, a share of 27.5 per cent. The unit is, without question, the most complete in the squad and allows Gasperini to rotate more players than any other.

Roma closed their run of fixtures before the international break with a 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has granted the squad three days of rest. Eleven Giallorossi will join their respective national teams in the coming days, while the players who remain in the capital will return to work. Roma players who are not called up will resume training at Trigoria on Wednesday afternoon, when preparation for their next commitments begins. The rest period gives Gasperini a clear window to plan the work ahead of the club's upcoming fixtures. The Italian original also carries links to the club's free news channels on Telegram and WhatsApp, which are not part of the match or training report.

Roma eased to a 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a result that came just days after a painful defeat at Old Trafford. The Giallorossi were never in danger in a match that the article describes as never in doubt, ending a run of nine games in 27 days before the international break. The result matters because Roma have shown they can move on quickly from setbacks under Gian Piero Gasperini. The article notes that, in past seasons, such collapses often led to lingering tension and outbursts around Trigoria, but this squad has handled the Manchester defeat with maturity and composure. Roma, the piece argues, are a team that will be in the title race until the end of the Serie A season. Gasperini set up in a 3-4-2-1 and kept nine players from the Manchester game. Balerdi started as a clear sign of unwavering trust, a deliberate message to remove any doubt about his position after his costly error a few days earlier. Sassuolo's coach Aquilani, making his first competitive appearance as a head coach at the Olimpico, lined up with Matic in midfield, Thorstvedt as the anchor and a three-man midfield when defending. The external duels were Wesley against Cinquegrano and Molina against Doig, while Mora and Soulé drifted inside to link up with Malen. Roma were patient in possession, moving the ball quickly with rapid triangles, although spaces were tight. Sassuolo's first real chance came from a venomous low drive from Matic from 16 metres, which Vásquez stretched to save. Vásquez was ready again later, and the article notes that his replacements have shown Roma have not suffered without Svilar, who is likely to miss the last Serie A game in his absence. Against a deep Sassuolo block, the wide midfielders and wing-backs had to support Malen, while the speed of Esposito and Laurienté in transition posed a danger. Hermoso broke the deadlock after 30 minutes with a forceful finish, and Malen soon doubled the lead with a fortunate goal. Sassuolo kept four players on the halfway line at corners, and the article suggests Roma could have used blocks or quick short passing routes to create better chances in those moments. Roma's possession and territorial dominance before half-time gave them a reassuring two-goal cushion. Aquilani switched to a 3-4-3 at half-time, bringing on Bowie for Matic and Cinquegrano, with Van den Brempt operating as right wing-back. Roma responded immediately, with Soulé finishing a superb move after a sumptuous through ball from Cristante, although Malen missed an incredible chance into an empty goal. Koné marked Thorstvedt and Cristante marked Sulemana. Malen then provided a delightful assist for Mora to make it 3-0. Gasperini made several changes to manage energy levels: Pisilli and De Roon came on for Koné and Mora, with Pisilli playing as the anchor, Koulierakis and Castro replaced Hermoso and Malen, and Ghilardi entered for Balerdi, who received applause from the Olimpico crowd despite his earlier error. Aquilani's final 3-4-3 had no effect on the outcome.

Roma beat Sassuolo with composure, quality and collective sharpness, with Soulé and Mora taking centre stage and Rodrigo Mora finding his third league goal in three consecutive matches. Mario Hermoso gave Roma the lead with a powerful strike just minutes after an own goal forced by Donyell Malen, and the match was effectively settled from there. Vásquez, in the words of the match report, had practically a day off in goal. The win followed a difficult spell for the club, and the report describes it as a cycle of passion that has now ended with a chance to breathe before the end of November, which brings Parma and PSG. Roma's form in the league has been strong, and Mora's scoring run has made him a key figure in the attack. Gasperini's side regained control of the match after a heavy setback in England, starting cautiously and calmly before finding the gap in the Sassuolo defence after half an hour. Hermoso was rated 7.5 for a performance in which he played as an improvised partner to Malen, opened the scoring with a goal from the edge of the box, and was involved in the third goal after winning the ball. Balerdi (6.5) produced a headed clearance on the line and a shot from distance, while N'Dicka (6.5) was calm and composed. Cristante (6.5) covered an impressive distance, and Koné (6.5) controlled the midfield with calm and intelligence, though the report suggested he could shoot more often. Soulé (6.5) was praised for his control but criticised for choosing not to shoot into an empty net. Mora was rated 7, with the report calling his left foot velvet-soft and noting he ran as much as Cristante in the first half. Malen (6.5) was marked closely throughout, but scored with a diagonal shot after a double deflection and created an assist for Mora. Gasperini was rated 7 for restoring the team's composure after the English defeat and taking total control of the game. Molina (6) was criticised for focusing too often on backward passes, while Wesley (6) was sharp when Sassuolo tried to close space. Substitutes included Ghilardi, Koulierakis, de Roon (6), Pisilli (6) and Castro. Gasperini said: "giochiamoci questo campionato", which can be rendered as: "Let's play for this league title." The sentiment follows his earlier comment that he would not settle for second place. Roma now face a short break before the Parma match and PSG at the end of November.

Roma eased past Sassuolo 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico this evening in their Serie A matchday 11 fixture, a comfortable win that was never in serious doubt. Gian Piero Gasperini's side took the lead through Mario Hermoso, who controlled the ball in the area, set it onto his left foot and drove it into the net, a goal that broke open a difficult game. Malen's cross-field play led to an own goal that doubled the lead, and Rodrigo Mora finished off the 3-0 scoreline in the second half. The result came against a Sassuolo side that offered little in attack. Roma struggled to break down their wall for long spells, which made Hermoso's finish all the more important. Gasperini's team were not at their most fluent, but they controlled the match and showed the qualities and organisation that have marked their season. Arriving at the international break with this level of performance, despite a crowded fixture schedule and several absences, is a strong return for the squad. In the player ratings, Hermoso earned a 7.5 for his goal and a display of quality, with openings and illuminating touches. Balerdi was rated a 7 for a commanding performance, going close with a central run that Muric turned behind for a corner. Koné also received a 7, providing balance in midfield and offering dangerous central runs, while Cristante rose to a 7 after a shaky start, taking control of the midfield in the second half. Mora, also rated 7, was described as having a special touch, with a finish in the second half that was far from straightforward. Gasperini himself was given a 7. Ndicka and Molina both earned 6.5, Ndicka for a solid defensive display and Molina for growing into the game after a quiet first half. Wesley and Soulé were each rated 6.5. Wesley worked tirelessly but lacked the final ball, while Soulé kept possession well without a goal or assist. Vásquez received a 6, having had little to do. Malen was rated a 6, having wasted an incredible number of chances despite his involvement in the opening goal, the own goal and the assist for Mora's third. Pisilli, who came on in the 65th minute, was also rated a 6 after several efforts that Muric stopped, and De Roon, also introduced on 65 minutes, earned a 6 for his composure in midfield. Koulierakis and Castro came on in the 76th minute, and Ghilardi replaced Balerdi in the 84th, with no ratings given for their short appearances. The result leaves Roma with a clean sheet and three goals, with Gasperini's side described as having made a significant step forward. The next Roma fixture is not covered in the report.

Roma eased to a 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a result that came just days after a painful defeat at Old Trafford. The Giallorossi were never in danger in a match that the article describes as never in doubt, ending a run of nine games in 27 days before the international break. The result matters because Roma have shown they can move on quickly from setbacks under Gian Piero Gasperini. The article notes that, in past seasons, such collapses often led to lingering tension and outbursts around Trigoria, but this squad has handled the Manchester defeat with maturity and composure. Roma, the piece argues, are a team that will be in the title race until the end of the Serie A season. Gasperini set up in a 3-4-2-1 and kept nine players from the Manchester game. Balerdi started as a clear sign of unwavering trust, a deliberate message to remove any doubt about his position after his costly error a few days earlier. Sassuolo's coach Aquilani, making his first competitive appearance as a head coach at the Olimpico, lined up with Matic in midfield, Thorstvedt as the anchor and a three-man midfield when defending. The external duels were Wesley against Cinquegrano and Molina against Doig, while Mora and Soulé drifted inside to link up with Malen. Roma were patient in possession, moving the ball quickly with rapid triangles, although spaces were tight. Sassuolo's first real chance came from a venomous low drive from Matic from 16 metres, which Vásquez stretched to save. Vásquez was ready again later, and the article notes that his replacements have shown Roma have not suffered without Svilar, who is likely to miss the last Serie A game in his absence. Against a deep Sassuolo block, the wide midfielders and wing-backs had to support Malen, while the speed of Esposito and Laurienté in transition posed a danger. Hermoso broke the deadlock after 30 minutes with a forceful finish, and Malen soon doubled the lead with a fortunate goal. Sassuolo kept four players on the halfway line at corners, and the article suggests Roma could have used blocks or quick short passing routes to create better chances in those moments. Roma's possession and territorial dominance before half-time gave them a reassuring two-goal cushion. Aquilani switched to a 3-4-3 at half-time, bringing on Bowie for Matic and Cinquegrano, with Van den Brempt operating as right wing-back. Roma responded immediately, with Soulé finishing a superb move after a sumptuous through ball from Cristante, although Malen missed an incredible chance into an empty goal. Koné marked Thorstvedt and Cristante marked Sulemana. Malen then provided a delightful assist for Mora to make it 3-0. Gasperini made several changes to manage energy levels: Pisilli and De Roon came on for Koné and Mora, with Pisilli playing as the anchor, Koulierakis and Castro replaced Hermoso and Malen, and Ghilardi entered for Balerdi, who received applause from the Olimpico crowd despite his earlier error. Aquilani's final 3-4-3 had no effect on the outcome.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini said his side will not be drawn into talk of finishing second, after a 3-0 win over Sassuolo, and insisted the team would "stay on the perch like owls" while focusing only on their own results. Speaking to Sky Sport after the match, Gasperini praised Balerdi, who had played well at Manchester, and said the defeats in the Champions League were different from one another. "There are defeats and defeats," he said. "We lost against Real and Manchester, we had a run of wins, we drew and then always won in the league. The defeats hurt because they came late, but with performances of a high level and against teams of absolute value." Gasperini explained how Roma have been scoring goals with ease. "We reach the goal in a different way and with many players: we have reached confidence and clarity. The goal Hermoso scores is that of a quality striker. Soulé's performance was extraordinary, we have a predisposition to score, and we have done it even in defeats. This squad gives confirmations, not answers, and then you can lose." He added: "There was an unlucky episode at Manchester, that of Balerdi, and the match was born from an absurd penalty, and that must be said." Asked whether he would sign up for second place, Gasperini replied: "No. It is nice to play this championship. You must not have illusions, but neither should you be disappointed, especially when you make a journey like ours. Inter are the most accredited team, and for everything else we can compete like all the others. If you want Lazio too, I put them among these. If Inter slip up a bit, everyone else can have a go. We do not look at the others, they do not interest us: we will stay on the perch like owls." Gasperini also responded to Ciro Ferrara, who had recalled his early steps in Juventus's youth sector. "You were an incredible powerhouse, I learned a lot watching your training sessions. At that time Italian football was really strong. It was a great school." On the international break, which interrupts the league again, though only for one week this time, he said: "I hope to find the squad just as I left it. International matches please me when they play for something important. For friendlies or matches of little substance it is a shame to lose so many players, although wearing the national team shirt is always a milestone for a player." Gasperini concluded by discussing the fixture schedule: "It is difficult to play 9 matches in 27 days. We have had tough clashes against Como, Napoli, Manchester and Real Madrid. Managing the workload has not been a problem, and this allowed us to rotate the whole squad and everyone has played several times. It has also been an advantage in giving value to everyone." He turned to injuries: "The problem is injuries. We have had Svilar out for 9 matches, Cristante at the start, Dybala, Koné has returned today, and we have lost Pellegrini. Our squad is competitive but numerically it is not among the largest. We have had some injuries to strong players but not very long ones, and not many in number, at most 3-4."

Roma beat Sassuolo with composure, quality and collective sharpness, with Soulé and Mora taking centre stage and Rodrigo Mora finding his third league goal in three consecutive matches. Mario Hermoso gave Roma the lead with a powerful strike just minutes after an own goal forced by Donyell Malen, and the match was effectively settled from there. Vásquez, in the words of the match report, had practically a day off in goal. The win followed a difficult spell for the club, and the report describes it as a cycle of passion that has now ended with a chance to breathe before the end of November, which brings Parma and PSG. Roma's form in the league has been strong, and Mora's scoring run has made him a key figure in the attack. Gasperini's side regained control of the match after a heavy setback in England, starting cautiously and calmly before finding the gap in the Sassuolo defence after half an hour. Hermoso was rated 7.5 for a performance in which he played as an improvised partner to Malen, opened the scoring with a goal from the edge of the box, and was involved in the third goal after winning the ball. Balerdi (6.5) produced a headed clearance on the line and a shot from distance, while N'Dicka (6.5) was calm and composed. Cristante (6.5) covered an impressive distance, and Koné (6.5) controlled the midfield with calm and intelligence, though the report suggested he could shoot more often. Soulé (6.5) was praised for his control but criticised for choosing not to shoot into an empty net. Mora was rated 7, with the report calling his left foot velvet-soft and noting he ran as much as Cristante in the first half. Malen (6.5) was marked closely throughout, but scored with a diagonal shot after a double deflection and created an assist for Mora. Gasperini was rated 7 for restoring the team's composure after the English defeat and taking total control of the game. Molina (6) was criticised for focusing too often on backward passes, while Wesley (6) was sharp when Sassuolo tried to close space. Substitutes included Ghilardi, Koulierakis, de Roon (6), Pisilli (6) and Castro. Gasperini said: "giochiamoci questo campionato", which can be rendered as: "Let's play for this league title." The sentiment follows his earlier comment that he would not settle for second place. Roma now face a short break before the Parma match and PSG at the end of November.

Gian Piero Gasperini has said Roma will not settle for second place after a 3-0 win over Udinese, a result that took him to 303 Serie A victories, passing the legendary Nereo Rocco and setting a new personal record for the coach. The win also extended Roma's run to 18 consecutive useful home league games at the Stadio Olimpico, a sign of renewed solidity at home and of a squad that has responded to every tactical and mental demand placed on it. Speaking after the match, Gasperini rejected any scaling back of Roma's ambitions. He said: "I won't settle for second place. The beauty is fighting for this championship until the end. Of course, we mustn't fool ourselves too much, but it is imperative to believe." He named Inter as the main favourites, adding: "Inter are rightly the stronger favourites, but if they slip up a little... we can compete. We are there." The coach also praised the team's growing threat in front of goal: "We are increasing our ability to score a lot, we do it in many ways and we are happy about this." On the injury front, Mancini has picked up a strain to his right hamstring. Roma expect to have both Svilar and Dybala fully recovered for the trip to Parma after the international break.

Roma responded to their European defeat at Manchester in emphatic fashion, beating Sassuolo 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico to lift their Serie A goal tally to 31 and head into the international break on a high. Hermoso opened the scoring in the first half, heading home after a deadly one-two with Malen and then driving a left-foot shot past Muric. Malen doubled the lead just three minutes later, with a shot deflected by Walukiewicz that completely wrong-footed Muric and found the net. The result came despite fatigue from a recent run of hard fixtures and an injury list that remains crowded, with key absences including Svilar and Dybala. Roma kept total control of the match throughout. Gian Piero Gasperini's side enjoyed their dangerous attack, and the win strengthens their position in the league as they look ahead to their next Serie A and Champions League commitments. In the second half the hosts built on their lead, overwhelming Sassuolo through the play of their attacking stars. Mora sealed the 3-0, his second-half goal coming from another precise one-two with Malen. Mora is increasingly a technical leader in the final third, and his finish capped a dominant performance. The three points allow Roma to consolidate their league campaign and enjoy a well-earned break from action.

Roma's intensive run of fixtures is over, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has given the squad three days off. Training resumes on Wednesday, with Roma's next match away at Parma on 21 November, after the international break. Gasperini is hopeful of having Paulo Dybala and Mile Svilar back available. Gianluca Mancini will not join up with his national team because of a muscle strain in his right hamstring, and he will remain in Rome to receive treatment. Manu Koné will also be available to the coach for the next two weeks. Lorenzo Pellegrini's recovery is taking longer, and he is not expected back until 2027.