Hermoso and Mora star as Roma beat Sassuolo 3-0

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.

AS Roma have already opened talks over a contract extension for defender Mario Hermoso, according to La Repubblica, with the Spaniard's current deal due to expire in June 2027. The discussions are reportedly at an advanced stage, with both sides keen to reach an agreement that would secure the defender's long-term future at the club. Hermoso has become one of the fixed points of Gian Piero Gasperini's side this season. He has earned the coach's trust through consistent performances and his ability to contribute in attacking phases, a level of form that is carrying growing weight both in team selection and in the club's thinking about the future of the squad. Gasperini is reportedly the main driving force behind keeping the player, having already pushed for him to stay at Trigoria last season. The coach's faith has been repaid on the pitch, and a renewal would strengthen one of the key figures in the back line. The report does not contain any details on the length of a new agreement or its financial terms. Hermoso joined Roma in July 2024 as a free transfer from Atlético Madrid, and his contract expiry in June 2027 makes the renewal a priority for the club as the season progresses.

Mario Hermoso is enjoying an outstanding start to the season with Roma, yet Spain coach Luis de la Fuente continues to leave him out of the national team. Hermoso scored in Roma's latest win over Sassuolo, his third goal of the season so far, and has been one of the stand-out performers in the squad under Gian Piero Gasperini. The article argues that age is not the reason. Laporte, who is 32, remains in the Spain squad despite a difficult start to his season. Hermoso's exclusion dates back to 2023, when De la Fuente took charge of Spain and left him out of the squad, despite a strong season with Atletico Madrid. Hermoso was surprised by the decision on several occasions, and a second omission followed a few months later. He then understood that he was not part of the coach's plans. De la Fuente has repeatedly said: "Gioca chi merita", meaning that the player who deserves to play is the one who plays, and that performance counts, not age. The article points to two main factors. The first is the system: Spain play with a back four, and Hermoso may not be the ideal profile for it. The second is continuity. De la Fuente has kept the 'Mondiale' defensive group together, with the exception of Jacobo Ramon of Como, a young talent whose call-up looks to the future. Hermoso remains out. The article also highlights a difference in playing styles. Hermoso is a technical defender who is good at building play, reading the game, breaking lines and contributing in the opposition half. Gasperini is making the most of these qualities at Roma. De la Fuente, however, looks for fast, aggressive centre-backs who can defend in open space and win one-on-one duels, and who can cover a lot of ground behind a high defensive line. Hermoso's qualities are a plus for Gasperini but may not be a priority for De la Fuente. For Roma, the impact is clear. Gasperini trusts Hermoso completely and only rests him when forced to. He is one of the leaders in the dressing room and a fixture in every area of the pitch. Roma lost their balance after his absences against Manchester United and Real Madrid. The article also says that talks over a contract renewal are continuing, that there are no doubts at Trigoria about wanting to continue together, and that the signing could come soon. A call-up from Spain would be the icing on the cake, but for now Hermoso has already found his own 'national team' in Rome.

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 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."

Mora says his form has turned around after a difficult start, with three goals in a row lifting his confidence and his standing in the Roma side. "Things weren't going well a month ago, but things change," he said, describing his magical run. The Portuguese forward struggled early on and admitted it himself, with some understandable difficulties complicating his progress before something clicked. Gian Piero Gasperini can no longer do without him, having always regarded him as a "superior" player who simply needed time, and less of it than expected was needed. His latest strike came against Sassuolo, his second goal at the Olimpico, and it was another gem, the latest of the season. He now has four Serie A goals, one more than Nico Paz, who has three. His output has him second in Roma's scoring charts behind Donyell Malen, who has eight. Those who doubted he was ready for the biggest stages have been forced to think again, and he was applauded at Old Trafford in the first half. Asked for the secret, Mora pointed to hard work: "I'm improving in everything, every day." He has understood Gasperini's methods and thrown himself into them, day after day. That commitment has also earned him a call-up to the Portugal squad. "It's a good moment for me and my family," he said. Portuguese supporters will now get to enjoy his talent just as the farewell to their idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, approaches. Mora may one day rewrite his country's history as Ronaldo did, but he is not thinking about that and is taking things one small step at a time.

Radio pundits Fabrizio Aspri and Andrea Pugliese have praised Gian Piero Gasperini's handling of Mora, with Aspri calling the coach very intelligent for the way he has used the player. Aspri said: "The situation with Mora 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 it is important players who score those goals. Gasperini is wise and has re-evaluated the player. Well done Gasperini first and foremost, and a little further on, well done Mora." Aspri said Roma have found the right way to make their chances count, though there is always room for improvement. He added: "Roma are the team with the best football." He praised the defensive unit, which he said gives the side more and more security. Turning to Donyell Malen, Aspri said the forward is useful and valuable but is sometimes seen struggling. He said: "I don't rate him as a normal player, he has something extra. I would like him more as a centre-forward, occupying the box more often. He drops too deep to link play too often." He added: "Roma must change, they must not fail in the big head-to-head games." Pugliese was more critical of Mora's role. He said: "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 legs. Mora was not used to defending at Porto. Last year he had different numbers." On Malen, Pugliese said the forward did not expect the assist from Matías Soulé when he missed a chance. Looking ahead, he said Bologna are a side in form and that the giallorossi must arrive there with six points. He noted that Roma have drawn with Inter, Como and Napoli this season, adding: "If you want to make the real leap you have to win the head-to-head games."

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.

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.