Early second-half vulnerability: Roma concede three goals at restart

Both Rome clubs sit at the top of Serie A after 11 matches, with Lazio on 29 points and Roma on 27, a pairing that has never happened before. Opta says it is the first time in the history of Serie A that two teams from the same city have both gone unbeaten through their opening 11 league matches. The table's top two spots are both held by Rome sides, and the figures are being shared as a remarkable start for the capital. Roma's unbeaten run actually continues from last season and has reached 18 matches, one short of the record set by the trio of Liedholm-Eriksson, Ranieri and Andreazzoli-Garcia. Lazio's draw at Napoli cost them the chance to match 31 points, the most ever gained in the first 11 Serie A matches. Only a small group of sides has reached that level, including Rudi Garcia's Roma of 2013-14, Napoli under both Spalletti and Sarri, Allegri's Juventus and Pioli's Milan. The Italian report notes that the table was compiled ahead of Inter v Como, and it points out that the Rome pair's start was not widely expected. Opta's statement reads: "For the first time in history, two teams from the same city (Roma and Lazio, ndr) have remained unbeaten in their first 11 matches played in a single Serie A season. Capital."

Roma closed their last Serie A fixture before the international break with a win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, and defender Leonardo Balerdi was quick to celebrate on social media. The Argentina international shared his satisfaction with the team's performance and turned his attention to his next commitments with his national side. The result came as a welcome lift for Gian Piero Gasperini's side, who had been left disappointed by their European campaign against Manchester United. Roma have regained their enthusiasm in front of their home crowd, and the victory is also a boost to the morale of the squad as they prepare to say goodbye to the players called up by their national teams. Balerdi wrote: "One last night at the Olimpico before the international break. A great victory and so many reasons to be proud. Now our focus is on Argentina."

Leonardo Balerdi started in defence for Roma on Saturday as the club beat Sassuolo, collecting three points that matter for the table and beyond. The Argentine defender is building an increasingly important role in this Roma side, and his bond with the giallorossi continues to grow despite a costly error in Manchester. The win was Roma's last night at the Olimpico before the international break. Roma's official Instagram account, which Italian reports attribute to the club, marked the occasion with a message: "One last night at the Olimpico before the international break. A great win and many reasons to be proud. Now our minds turn to Argentina." Balerdi, who represents Argentina at international level, will now join his national squad. The three points are fundamental for Roma's league position, and the performance gave the squad plenty to take into the break.