Hermoso's form at Roma keeps him out of Spain's plans, with the Spanish coach overlooking him

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.

Donyell Malen has left for the Netherlands to join up with the national team after his performance against Sassuolo, with Xavi waiting for him for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The Roma forward, known as Bobby, was among the best players on the pitch against Sassuolo. He did not score, but his perfect assist allowed Mora to complete his hat-trick and seal the match. Gasperini will be without Malen for the next two weeks because of the international break. Before departing, Malen posted a message on social media for the Giallorossi supporters. "Ci vediamo presto" (See you soon), he wrote, bidding farewell to the Roma fanbase for the time being. He also described the result as a good way to go into the break. The pause will pass quickly, and Malen is expected to be back at the disposal of Gasperini when Roma return to club duty.

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.

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."