Gasperini's revolution: five incredible early-season statistics show Roma's dominance

Manu Koné returned from almost a month out with a dominant display against Sassuolo, and the numbers underline how much Roma miss him when he is absent. Gasperini blocked the midfielder's sale in the final days of the transfer window, and the midfielder's influence on the team is clear. Roma have conceded 4 goals in 7 matches with Koné on the pitch, compared with 14 in the same number of matches without him, more than three times as many. The article notes that the link is not a direct one, since Real Madrid and Manchester United are not Sassuolo, but Koné's cover, his ability to shorten the pitch and the transitions in which he excels are qualities the Roma midfield lacks badly when he is missing. Asked about the link between Koné's absence and the goals conceded, Gasperini replied: "Troppo facile così, i fattori sono tanti..." ("It's too easy like that, there are many factors..."). Koné was back after almost a month and looked rusty at times, yet he still showed why Gasperini kept him. In a game played at a low tempo, he intercepted passes, dominated physically and made runs into the area that repeatedly broke through the Sassuolo lines. His display came in only 66 minutes, against a Matic who, many felt, should have troubled him. The article's view is that the Roma midfield was short of energy and dynamism in the defeat at Old Trafford, and it leaves open whether Koné's presence would have changed the outcome there. His numbers were excellent: 56 of 56 passes completed, 11 passes into the opposition's final third, 11 passes to break an opposing line, one chance created, 3 balls recovered and 5 of 6 duels won. For Gasperini he remains irreplaceable, and Roma's task is to find other midfielders who can reduce the impact of his absence or who can play alongside him.

Lazio lead Serie A with 29 points, while Roma sit second with 27 points, pending Inter's result, after the first 11 rounds of the season. Both Rome clubs have remained unbeaten in those opening 11 matches, a record never before seen in Serie A: it is the first time two teams from the same city have gone unbeaten through their first 11 games in a single league campaign. The feat underlines how strongly the two Capital clubs have started the season. Roma's unbeaten run keeps them firmly in the race for the top positions, and the table places them just two points behind Lazio at the summit. All eyes now turn to the Derby della Capitale on 13 December. The fixture is expected to be a clash between two sides in the upper reaches of the table, and it could prove a key moment in the ambitions of both clubs.

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 are already looking to the January transfer window to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad, with the club's primary target a left-sided attacking winger who plays with his right foot. Sporting director Tony D'Amico confirmed the plan to Sky Sport in the pre-match build-up to Roma-Sassuolo. D'Amico said: "We are missing a winger with pace, a player who can counter-attack. We will try to sign one in January, evaluating the opportunities, to give these characteristics to the coach." The winger has been a long-standing request from Gasperini. D'Amico said the list of profiles includes several interesting names, some already pursued at length in the summer. Among the favourites are Gittens of Chelsea, Kvernadze of Frosinone and Endrick of Real Madrid. The international break brings mixed news for Roma. Gianluca Mancini had already complained of a muscle problem in the previous days and felt pain in his right hamstring again on the morning of the Sassuolo match, forcing him to withdraw. The injury also rules him out of Italy duty. In total, 13 Roma players have been called up by their national teams: Vásquez (Colombia), De Marzi (USA U21), N'Dicka (Ivory Coast), Ghilardi and Pisilli (Italy), Lulli (Italy U21), Balerdi, Castro and Soulé (Argentina), Koulierakis (Greece), Wesley (Brazil), Mora (Portugal) and Malen (Netherlands). Mario Hermoso has been one of the club's key figures this season, becoming a fixture in every phase of play: solid in defence, effective in build-up and dangerous in the box. He has scored three goals this season, including the one that broke the deadlock against Sassuolo. The club want to tie him down and have reportedly already opened talks over a contract extension. The Spaniard's deal is currently due to expire in June. Those talks are said to be at an advanced stage, with both sides keen to reach an agreement and close the matter quickly. On Roman radio, the focus has been on the progress of Rodrigo Mora. Fabrizio Aspri told Radio Radio: "Mora's situation tells us that Gasperini is very intelligent. Mora was not a useful player for the coach. The player is moving very well, that goal is a number 10's goal. Not everyone makes that diagonal run, and the players who are important score that kind of goal. Gasperini is wise and has re-evaluated the player. Well done Gasperini first and foremost, then a little further on, well done Mora." Andrea Pugliese added: "Mora is an attacking midfielder, he doesn't have the pace to play on the flank. In January D'Amico will find a winger with pace. Mora wasn't used to defending at Porto. Last year he had different numbers. Malen, on that missed goal, did not expect that assist from Soulé."

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 host Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico looking to bounce back from their defeat to Manchester United and to secure a third straight win. Gian Piero Gasperini has named Leonardo Balerdi in defence in place of the injured Gianluca Mancini. Manu Koné returns to the starting midfield after almost a month out with injury, and the Champions League front three of Rodrigo Mora and Matías Soulé behind Donyell Malen is retained. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Vásquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Sassuolo, coached by Aquilani, play a 4-4-2: Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Caleta-Car, Cinquegrano; Sulemana, Matic, Thorstvedt, Doig; Laurienté, Esposito. The Roma substitutes are De Marzi, Kilvinger, Koulierakis, Ghilardi, Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Castro, Maccaroni and Arena. Sassuolo's bench includes Turati, Satalino, Candé, Van der Brempt, Odenthal, Obrador, Adzic, Bakola, Lipani, Ghion, Berardi, Bowie, Skjellerup and Pierini. The referee is Di Bello, with assistants Peretti and Scatragli. The fourth official is Abisso, the VAR is Pezzuto and the AVAR is Guida.

Roma comfortably beat Sassuolo 3-0 last night, with goals from Hermoso, an own goal by Walukiewicz and a late strike from Mora completing the win. Italian newspapers handed out their player ratings, with Hermoso and Mora the standouts. Gazzetta dello Sport gave Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7, while Corriere dello Sport rated Hermoso an 8 and Soulé 7.5, with Mora also at 7.5. Il Messaggero gave Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7, and Corriere della Sera rated Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7. La Repubblica gave Hermoso 7.5 and Mora 7, and Il Tempo rated Mora 7 and Balerdi and Ndicka 7. Coach Gasperini was rated 7 by Gazzetta, Il Tempo, La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, and 7.5 by Corriere dello Sport. Across the newspapers, Vásquez, Molina, Wesley and Malen received mostly solid marks, with Koné and Cristante generally rated 6.5 to 7. Pisilli and De Roon were typically given 6, and Castro and Koulierakis were rated 6 by Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, with several reports not assigning them a mark.

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 produced a dominant 3-0 Serie A win over Sassuolo, a result that erased the memory of the Manchester defeat and renewed the club's ambitions. Mario Hermoso was the standout performer in the eyes of the Italian press, unlocking a match that could have held more danger, while Mora was once again valuable for the side. Balerdi also earned praise after bouncing back from his error in Manchester with a display of great personality. The ratings from the Italian dailies were broadly positive across the squad. Hermoso received a 7.5 from La Gazzetta dello Sport, 8 from Corriere dello Sport and 7.5 from Il Messaggero, Il Tempo and Corriere della Sera, with Tuttosport giving him a 7. Mora was rated 7 by most papers and 7.5 by Corriere dello Sport and Il Tempo. Soulé earned 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport and Il Tempo, and Balerdi was rated 7 by Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Tempo, 6.5 by Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera, and 6 by Tuttosport. The starting XI was Vasquez; Balerdi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Ghilardi came on for Balerdi in the 85th minute, Koulierakis replaced Hermoso in the 77th, Castro took over from Malen in the 77th, De Roon entered for Koné in the 66th and Pisilli replaced Mora in the 66th. Gasperini was rated 7 by Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Messaggero, 7.5 by Corriere dello Sport, Il Tempo, Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera, and 6.5 by Tuttosport. The victory comes as Roma look to push for the top of the table, with the result seen as a clear statement of intent after the setback in Manchester.

Emanuele Lulli has been one of the surprises of the season, and Gian Piero Gasperini is the coach who insisted on keeping him at Roma and turning him into one of the most interesting wingers in Serie A. After just seven matches in the giallorossi shirt, Lulli has already shown he has what it takes to establish himself: he runs, he fights, he scores and he creates goals for team-mates. He is a complete winger who makes an impact in both phases of play, giving Gasperini exactly what he was looking for. For the coach, it is a return to familiar ground. At Roma he has found the wide players he likes, the same kind that allowed him to build a side capable of making the difference at Bergamo. The greatest credit, though, goes to Gasperini for believing in Lulli when others might have let him go. Looking back shows how much has changed. Turkish full-back Zeki Çelik, who played in that role, collected two goals in 151 appearances for Roma. Lulli needed just seven matches to match that tally. The article describes that gap as enormous, and it says it reflects the weight of this new bet on the young player. Çelik's departure to Juventus, which initially looked hard to swallow, now takes on a different meaning, described as a genuine sliding door moment for the giallorossi season. Roma have found a new protagonist, Gasperini has another winger to back, and the fans have a young player to cherish. Lulli comes from Palestrina, is a 2007-born player and has a world of opportunity ahead of him. Above all, the article concludes, he has already found his place: at Roma, his team.

Roma lost Celik in the transfer market, a departure that many considered painful, but the positive side has been the emergence of Pierluigi Lulli, who has moved from the Primavera to scoring his first Serie A goal. The development has been described as the defining 'sliding door' of the window. The Italian coverage frames Lulli's breakthrough as the positive counterweight to losing Zeki Çelik, whose exit was widely viewed as a painful one for the club. Lulli's first league goal marks a significant step for a player who has come through the youth ranks to the first team. The report was published on 19 October 2026 and is headlined around the idea that Lulli is the key figure to emerge from the market, as Roma look to build on his progress.

Roma's full-backs have become a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini's push to the top of Serie A, a marked shift from last season when they proved problematic. Wesley and Nahuel Molina are now among the club's key strengths, and both will start when Roma resume the league campaign against Como, where they will face manager Fabregas. The turnaround reflects Gasperini's tactical evolution since arriving at the club: in his first season, Wesley was the only defender fully convincing on the flanks, while Zeki Çelik had to make do elsewhere. Now the picture is entirely different. Gasperini has uncovered Emanuele Lulli in the course of the season, and Molina has gradually built his fitness, delivering quality and assists to Roma's attacking phase. For the Como fixture, Gasperini plans to deploy Molina on the right and Wesley on the left. The selection reflects not just Roma's attacking ambitions but also Gasperini's defensive strategy: by using two attacking full-backs, he aims to stretch Como's wide players—Baturina on one flank and Diao on the other—and occupy them throughout the match. Wesley, the more naturally offensive of the pair, will be tasked with driving forward and supporting the build-up play. Molina is likely to carry greater defensive responsibility, balancing his own contributions with the need to contain Como's threats on the wing.