Gasperini on Roma's record run: "I won't sign up for second place"

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.

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."