Derby Disciplinary Review: Hermoso, Cancellieri and Taylor Cautioned

Rodrigo Mora says everything has changed for him, after scoring three goals in a row for Roma and earning a growing level of trust from Gian Piero Gasperini. The Portugal midfielder admitted his start to the season had not gone smoothly, but he has now become someone Gasperini cannot do without. The coach never doubted him, always considering him a "superior" player, and the time he needed proved to be less than expected. His latest goal came against Sassuolo, his first at the Olimpico, and it was the fourth of his season in Serie A. That is one more than Nico Paz, who has three. His form has also moved him into second place in Roma's scoring charts, behind Donyell Malen on eight. Those who doubted he was ready for the biggest stages have had to think again, and he was applauded in the first half at Old Trafford. Mora credits hard work for his rise. "I am improving in everything, every day," he said. He has understood Gasperini's methods and thrown himself into the work, day after day, a commitment that has also earned him a call-up to the Portugal squad. "It is a good moment for me and my family." Portuguese fans will now get to enjoy his talent, just as the country prepares to say farewell to their idol Cristiano Ronaldo. Mora is not thinking about rewriting his country's history, however. He takes things one small step at a time, and Roma are enjoying those steps as Gasperini puts them in front of the whole world.

Gian Piero Gasperini has said he is not content with second place, as Roma's win over Sassuolo extended their unbeaten league run to 18 matches. The result means Roma have now collected 18 useful results in a row in Serie A. Italian media note that in the last 65 years only four teams have scored more than thirty goals after eleven matchdays. Gasperini said: "I don't sign up for second place." The coach is thinking big, and the run places Roma firmly in the conversation at the top of the table as the season develops.

Roma bounced back from their heavy defeat at Old Trafford with a convincing 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, and Mario Hermoso was named the best player on the pitch in the newspaper ratings. His goal broke the deadlock at the Olimpico, a striker's finish that set the tone for the afternoon. Mora was also impressive. He scored his third consecutive Serie A goal, and the Italian press described him as an important piece in Gasperini's plans. The win was Roma's fourth goal in giallorossi colours for the midfielder. Balerdi also drew praise after recovering from his error in Manchester, with a performance the papers described as showing great personality. The ratings across the papers varied. Vásquez received a 6 in every report. Hermoso was rated between 7 and 8, Mora between 7 and 7.5, and Soulé between 6.5 and 7.5. Balerdi ranged from 6 to 7 and Ndicka from 6.5 to 7. Koné earned between 6 and 7, Cristante between 6.5 and 7, and Malen between 6 and 7. Molina and Wesley were rated 6 to 6.5. Gasperini's performance was scored between 6.5 and 7.5. Substitutes were Koulierakis, who replaced Hermoso in the 77th minute, Castro, who replaced Malen at the same time, De Roon, who came on for Koné in the 66th minute, Pisilli, who replaced Mora in the same change, and Ghilardi, who replaced Balerdi in the 85th minute. Roma lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Mario Hermoso scored the opening goal in Roma's 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a strike that came almost as if from a midfielder and underlines the freedom Gasperini gives the Spaniard within the Giallorossi system. Hermoso has become one of the symbols of Gasperini's Roma, operating as a centre-back, full-back, ball-playing presence and, when needed, an attacking threat. Gasperini has repeatedly described him as "the perfect example". According to Niccolò Maurelli of La Repubblica, the coach is pushing for Hermoso's contract to be renewed. The Spaniard's deal currently runs until 2027, and dialogue over an extension is reportedly already well advanced. Hermoso is now one of the players the coach regularly calls part of the "nucleo portante", the core of the squad, and is a reference point in the dressing room for his attitude, availability and performances. Hermoso's importance is also reflected in his numbers. Across Serie A and the Champions League, he has missed only the match against Cagliari and has scored three goals, against Atalanta, Slovan Bratislava and Sassuolo. Gasperini had wanted to keep him at Trigoria a year ago, and Roma are now working to secure him for even longer. Hermoso is 31.

Roma bounced back from their heavy defeat at Old Trafford with a convincing 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, and Mario Hermoso was named the best player on the pitch in the newspaper ratings. His goal broke the deadlock at the Olimpico, a striker's finish that set the tone for the afternoon. Mora was also impressive. He scored his third consecutive Serie A goal, and the Italian press described him as an important piece in Gasperini's plans. The win was Roma's fourth goal in giallorossi colours for the midfielder. Balerdi also drew praise after recovering from his error in Manchester, with a performance the papers described as showing great personality. The ratings across the papers varied. Vásquez received a 6 in every report. Hermoso was rated between 7 and 8, Mora between 7 and 7.5, and Soulé between 6.5 and 7.5. Balerdi ranged from 6 to 7 and Ndicka from 6.5 to 7. Koné earned between 6 and 7, Cristante between 6.5 and 7, and Malen between 6 and 7. Molina and Wesley were rated 6 to 6.5. Gasperini's performance was scored between 6.5 and 7.5. Substitutes were Koulierakis, who replaced Hermoso in the 77th minute, Castro, who replaced Malen at the same time, De Roon, who came on for Koné in the 66th minute, Pisilli, who replaced Mora in the same change, and Ghilardi, who replaced Balerdi in the 85th minute. Roma lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Roma have moved up to 27 points after 11 matchdays following a 3-0 win over Sassuolo, with eight victories and three draws and no defeats. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have not started a Serie A season this well since 2016. The only better start in the period cited came in 2013/14, when Garcia's team reached 31 points thanks to a run of ten consecutive wins at the start of the campaign. Donyell Malen was involved against Sassuolo, providing the assist for Rodrigo Mora despite failing to score. Former striker Luca Toni praised the Dutchman but was keen to make a comparison of his own. Toni said: "Malen sta facendo un exploit, fin da subito ha dimostrato personalità. Ma io ero più bomber di lui: una volta la Serie A era un'altra cosa." In English: "Malen is having an exploit, from the very start he has shown personality. But I was more of a goalscorer than him: Serie A used to be a different thing." Toni also said he does not believe strikers necessarily score more under certain coaches. Marco Di Bello refereed the Roma-Sassuolo match and was given an average rating of 5.75. He was right not to award a penalty for a suspected handball by Van der Brempt, and he also allowed Mora's goal for 3-0 to stand. His handling of the game was judged too fragmented, and a few clear fouls went unpunished, including a holding offence by Caleta-Car on Malen. The scuffle between Hermoso and Esposito was considered risky but drew no disciplinary action. In the player ratings from the main newspapers, Mario Hermoso was Roma's best performer with an average of 7.4. Rodrigo Mora followed on 7.1 and Bryan Cristante on 7.0, while Soulé finished on 6.9 and Balerdi and N'Dicka on 6.7. Vásquez (6.0) and Wesley (6.2) received the lowest marks among the starters. Gasperini himself was rated 7.2. Gasperini said: "Non firmerei per il secondo posto. Anche la Lazio in lotta per lo scudetto." In English: "I would not sign up for second place. Lazio are also in the title race." Mora said: "Sono sulla strada giusta. La Roma è forte, si vede anche in allenamento." In English: "I am on the right path. Roma are strong, you can see it in training too."

Roma are training at Manchester United's historic Cliff training ground on the eve of their trip to face the Red Devils, with Gian Piero Gasperini set to finalise his team selection doubts in the morning session. The session is scheduled for 11am local time at the Cliff. The Cliff is the club's former first-team base, which Manchester United used for years until Sir Alex Ferguson pushed for a move in 2000. Ferguson's reason was a lack of privacy: he felt the facility was too open, with training sessions easily watched by journalists and, above all, by scouts working for rival clubs. He called them "spies" and suggested the club relocate, and it did. Manchester United now train at Carrington, while the Cliff remains in use by the youth teams and the women's side. For one day, the Cliff is also being used by Roma and by their Primavera side, who will face the English club in the Youth League. Ahead of the trip, Roma have already held a rehearsal session the previous day, followed by the morning training on the day of the match.

Roma's pundits on Rome's radio stations were largely positive about the club's recent results, but they were divided over Mora and the January market. Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, said: 'Mora is absolutely not ready for this stage, and Roma must sign Lookman. Do a six-month loan.' He also said Castro does not play when Malen is fit and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance, adding that a striker is needed in January. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was more worried: 'I said Mora had to play to get used to his teammates, but there is a Mora problem. Do you remember Bojan Krkic? I would not want him to suffer the same fate.' Corsi said Mora was an embarrassment in front of goal, had shot at a photographer and had got everything wrong on Sunday, including his passing. The debate followed a run of matches after the heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Roma were fortunate to face Genoa and Slovan Bratislava afterwards, as they could restore their mental focus, and that Roma had taken full advantage. He described Slovan as a side who do not belong in the Champions League, suggesting they were better suited to the Europa League or Conference League. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport argued that Roma make their opponents look weak: 'Genoa were weak, Slovan are weak, they are all weak... even Real Madrid were weak until ten minutes from the end. I would start saying Roma are strong.' Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said he could hardly recall a smaller side worse than Slovan Bratislava, adding that they could not keep the ball for more than three seconds. David Rossi of Rete Sport praised the defence under Gian Piero Gasperini: 'What impresses me is that the defenders have improved most with Gasperini. Ghilardi started two matches, against Lecce and against Slovan, and I remember him more for what he does in attack than in defence. Ghilardi is a starter now. Hermoso, we did not know who to pin it on, and now he is a leader. Balerdi arrived while Marseille fans were celebrating, and here he is dominant. N'Dicka has improved a lot... Roma have a back line that I believe is the strongest in Italy.' Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport noted that Roma had rotated five starters in defence over the last two matches while conceding no goals. He said the comparison between Malen and Castro and Ferguson and Dovbyk was harsh. Pes argued that Gasperini had not overused Pellegrini, who had started two matches, and said Pellegrini was prone to injury, which he had always been. Pellegrini is now 30, Pes said, and the problems are getting worse. Checco Oddo Casano said Roma should consider the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini in June, after seeing how many matches they had played. The radio hosts agreed that a striker is needed, and Pruzzo said he would name the player to be signed in January. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said he was supporting Manchester United against Como that evening, because a defeat for the English side would leave Roma with a final chance. He also said Roma had regrets about Fenerbahce and Real Madrid, where a result was possible, and warned that Roma could arrive at the third-last match ranked behind others in the table.

Malen and Castro have already outscored Dovbyk and Ferguson's entire Serie A campaign of last season, after just seven matchdays. The two current forwards have scored seven goals between them in Serie A this term, against one from Dovbyk and Ferguson across the whole of 2025-26. Roma have 16 points after seven rounds this season, compared with 15 at the same stage last year, so the points tally is almost identical. The difference lies in the attack. Roma have found the forwards they lacked a year ago, with the Dutchman and the Argentine both scoring and each able to make the difference when the other is missing. Last season, Ferguson and Dovbyk struggled to make an impact and to get shots away. Their combined Serie A tally that year was six goals, a figure Malen and Castro have already surpassed in only seven matches. The two strikers have also combined for nine goals in all competitions this season: eight from the Dutchman and one from the Argentine. Dovbyk and Ferguson were never really an option together, as they were too similar and too cumbersome to make a two-man attack work. Gasperini has preferred to play with a single striker, but that is not a written rule, and the head coach could now change his mind. With Dybala's physical condition a factor, Malen and Castro are in contention to start together from the first minute in the Champions League against Slovan. It would be a test of whether the pair can coexist. Their characteristics differ, but the quality is there. Castro has already shown he deserves a place, scoring a spectacular goal on his first start, and he does not want to be merely an alternative. Gasperini has recognised that. The Argentine has shown he can make an impact, and the big question now is whether Gasperini will field the two of them together against Slovan.

Gianluca Mancini will miss Italy's international fixtures after suffering a fresh pain in his right hamstring that forced him out of Roma's clash with Sassuolo. The defender will stay at Trigoria during the two-week break to continue his recovery, with the aim of returning for the league match against Parma. Thirteen Roma first-team players have been called up by their national teams. With Mancini out, only Ghilardi and Pisilli will travel to Italy's senior squad, while young Lulli is set to feature for Baldini's Italy Under-21 side. Mancini had already reported a muscle problem in the days before the Sassuolo game. Gasperini will use the break to recharge and take stock of the injury list. He has welcomed back Koné for the Sassuolo match and is optimistic about players returning for the resumption of competitions. The international picture is wide-ranging. Vásquez returns to the Colombia squad for the first time in three years, a welcome note after a special week that saw the goalkeeper make his Champions League and Serie A debuts for Roma. Young De Marzi has been called up by the USA Under-20s. Balerdi, Castro and Soulé will answer Argentina coach Scaloni's call. Wesley joins Brazil under Ancelotti, while Malen will play under Xavi for the Netherlands for the first time. N'Dicka (Ivory Coast) and Koulierakis (Greece) have also been named. Nineteen-year-old Rodrigo Mora is ready to make his senior debut for Portugal. On the injury front, Dybala's condition is improving markedly, and the break offers him the ideal chance to regain his best form. Mile Svilar is set to return between the posts in Parma, having put his right foot fracture firmly behind him.

Roma bounced back from their defeats to Real Madrid and Manchester United with a 3-0 win over Sassuolo, a result that briefly left them one point behind the Serie A leaders. The match was effectively decided in just over twenty minutes. Sassuolo coach Alberto Aquilani set his side out with almost everyone behind the ball, looking to crowd the midfield and close off space on the edge of the box, and for a while the plan worked, even though Roma had already begun to create danger. Then Mario Hermoso, who for one evening played as a centre-forward, controlled the ball in the area and drove a powerful left-foot shot under the crossbar. From that moment the game changed. Roma grew in confidence while Sassuolo lost their shape and belief. Three minutes later, Donyell Malen's shot was deflected into his own net by Walukiewicz, which effectively settled the contest. Roma kept attacking, building and looking for goals, and early in the second half Rodrigo Mora added his name to the scoresheet, another step forward for the 19-year-old, who is growing visibly. The rest was a Roma monologue, with Sassuolo unable to trouble Vásquez. The result is significant because of the way Roma won it. Gasperini's side were not overwhelmed by a stronger opponent. They were patient, ruthless when the opening came and mature in their response to disappointment. The Champions League defeats to Real Madrid and Manchester United showed that there is still progress to make against the very best, but in Serie A Roma have answered each setback immediately. After the Real Madrid defeat they won, and after Manchester they did the same. Roma have now collected 27 points from eleven matches, have won three league games in a row and sat second in the table, one point off the top, for a night. The result came after a punishing run of nine matches in 27 days, a schedule Gasperini himself pointed out. Malen had one of his less productive evenings in front of goal, wasting chances he would normally convert, even though team-mates tried everything to set him up. He still played a part in Hermoso's goal, caused the own goal that doubled the lead and provided the assist for Mora. Roma won 3-0 without a goal from their centre-forward and even wasted others. Defensively, another clean sheet restored calm to a back line that had suffered some lapses recently. Manu Koné also returned, and his presence in midfield was clearly felt, bringing dynamism, aggression and balance to a area that had been badly missed in recent weeks. Mora said: "Sono sulla strada giusta. La Roma è forte, si vede anche in allenamento." Gasperini, asked whether he would be satisfied with second place, replied: "È bello giocarlo questo campionato. Noi ce lo stiamo veramente giocando." Roma reach the international break in strong form. Gasperini is expected to regain Svilar and, hopefully, Dybala after the break, two key players who could add quality and options to a squad already performing well. Injuries have been the main obstacle to the coach's selection choices so far. Tomorrow, Inter host Como and Lazio travel to Napoli, and Roma will watch the results from the sidelines, with a chance that their position could improve. Sporting director D'Amico confirmed before the match that the team lacks a quick, attacking winger and promised that the club will try to fill that gap in January.

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.