Malen on Serie A's goalscoring and Toni's criticism of his form

Roma eased to a 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a result that came just days after a painful defeat at Old Trafford. The Giallorossi were never in danger in a match that the article describes as never in doubt, ending a run of nine games in 27 days before the international break. The result matters because Roma have shown they can move on quickly from setbacks under Gian Piero Gasperini. The article notes that, in past seasons, such collapses often led to lingering tension and outbursts around Trigoria, but this squad has handled the Manchester defeat with maturity and composure. Roma, the piece argues, are a team that will be in the title race until the end of the Serie A season. Gasperini set up in a 3-4-2-1 and kept nine players from the Manchester game. Balerdi started as a clear sign of unwavering trust, a deliberate message to remove any doubt about his position after his costly error a few days earlier. Sassuolo's coach Aquilani, making his first competitive appearance as a head coach at the Olimpico, lined up with Matic in midfield, Thorstvedt as the anchor and a three-man midfield when defending. The external duels were Wesley against Cinquegrano and Molina against Doig, while Mora and Soulé drifted inside to link up with Malen. Roma were patient in possession, moving the ball quickly with rapid triangles, although spaces were tight. Sassuolo's first real chance came from a venomous low drive from Matic from 16 metres, which Vásquez stretched to save. Vásquez was ready again later, and the article notes that his replacements have shown Roma have not suffered without Svilar, who is likely to miss the last Serie A game in his absence. Against a deep Sassuolo block, the wide midfielders and wing-backs had to support Malen, while the speed of Esposito and Laurienté in transition posed a danger. Hermoso broke the deadlock after 30 minutes with a forceful finish, and Malen soon doubled the lead with a fortunate goal. Sassuolo kept four players on the halfway line at corners, and the article suggests Roma could have used blocks or quick short passing routes to create better chances in those moments. Roma's possession and territorial dominance before half-time gave them a reassuring two-goal cushion. Aquilani switched to a 3-4-3 at half-time, bringing on Bowie for Matic and Cinquegrano, with Van den Brempt operating as right wing-back. Roma responded immediately, with Soulé finishing a superb move after a sumptuous through ball from Cristante, although Malen missed an incredible chance into an empty goal. Koné marked Thorstvedt and Cristante marked Sulemana. Malen then provided a delightful assist for Mora to make it 3-0. Gasperini made several changes to manage energy levels: Pisilli and De Roon came on for Koné and Mora, with Pisilli playing as the anchor, Koulierakis and Castro replaced Hermoso and Malen, and Ghilardi entered for Balerdi, who received applause from the Olimpico crowd despite his earlier error. Aquilani's final 3-4-3 had no effect on the outcome.

Roma's defenders are proving decisive this season, with Mario Hermoso among the central figures in Gian Piero Gasperini's side. Hermoso opened the scoring in a difficult match against Sassuolo with a finish more typical of a striker, and he has now reached three goals this season. He is not alone. Leonardo Balerdi scored twice in the win at Napoli, the second of which was decisive in securing a draw at the Maradona. Evan N'Dicka and Daniele Ghilardi have each scored once, with N'Dicka's goal coming in Udine last week. In total, Roma's defenders have scored seven goals across Serie A and the Champions League. According to Daniele Aloisi writing in Il Messaggero, the defensive unit's contribution goes beyond goals. Ghilardi has also registered two assists, as has Gianluca Mancini, who was out injured yesterday. Koulierakis has yet to find the net this season. Together, the defenders have been involved in eleven of Roma's forty goals this season, a share of 27.5 per cent. The unit is, without question, the most complete in the squad and allows Gasperini to rotate more players than any other.

Rodrigo Mora produced a standout performance, finishing with a precise, low strike at the near post, aimed at the bottom-right corner past Muric. The goal came after he had been controlling the ball beautifully in tight spaces, as his teammates looked for him. Throughout the match, Mora was repeatedly seen cushioning passes into the path of teammates, either in support or in the final third, with a touch as light as a feather that always seemed to find the right spot. At times he attempted switches of play with a confidence that occasionally bordered on risky, but it came from a clear awareness of his technical ability. The style was described as delicious as well as effective. The writer compared Mora's game to a simple, well-made pasta dish with butter and parmesan, which turned into something richer when he finished with a fine white truffle touch with his goal. The piece praises the way his display has won over the supporters, leaving Roma fans with plenty to enjoy from the 20-year-old's contribution.

Roma moved into second place in Serie A with a comfortable win over Sassuolo, a result built on a collective display that bears the imprint of Mario Hermoso. The Spanish defender broke the deadlock against Sassuolo with a striker's finish, combining with Malen before scoring. It is his third goal of the season, a return that pairs defensive solidity with a significant attacking contribution, and he has become one of the immovable pillars of Gian Piero Gasperini's side. La Repubblica reports that Hermoso's journey at Trigoria represents a gamble that has paid off for the coach. After a difficult period following his arrival in September 2024 and a subsequent loan to Bayer Leverkusen, the defender has regained his place in the team and his motivation under Gasperini. The club's push up the table is built on a solid, confident group capable of shrugging off setbacks and looking ambitiously towards the top of the standings. The squad has also shown important contributions from those behind the starters, as confirmed by the team's positive run and its handling of the key moments of the match against Sassuolo. Hermoso spoke about the change in his situation: "I had the feeling the club was looking for different profiles, but when the new season started, thanks to Gasperini, everything changed," he said, expressing great gratitude to the coach for giving him back the pleasure of playing without fear. With his contract running until 2027, talks to tie him down and keep him in Rome are already well under way. Looking ahead, sporting director Tony D'Amico has set out the club's clear line for the January transfer window, confirming the intention to bring a new attacking winger to Gasperini.

Mario Hermoso has gone from being on the fringes of Roma's project in July 2025 to an undisputed starter and an added goal threat under Gian Piero Gasperini. Having returned from a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, the Spanish defender has completely reversed his standing thanks to his work and the coach's trust. His late winner against Sassuolo, a fine finish after a exchange of passes with Malen, took his tally to three goals this season. That haul also includes the equaliser for 1-1 against Atalanta, which sparked Roma's comeback, and a goal against Slovan Bratislava. According to Il Messaggero, beyond his goals the Spanish centre-back stands out for his consistency and tactical reliability. The numbers back this up: he is third in Serie A for interceptions and second in the squad for pass completion, at 88%. Hermoso is not alone in finding the net. Roma's defence is contributing heavily to the attack, with Balerdi scoring two goals, both decisive, including the brace at Napoli and the equaliser at the Maradona. Ndicka and Ghilardi have one goal each. In total, Roma's defenders have scored 11 goals across Serie A and the Champions League, accounting for 27.5% of the team's goals. His outstanding form has prompted the club to move quickly to secure the defender's future. His current contract expires at the end of the season but, unlike his previous deal, it contains no automatic unilateral extension clause. Talks between the parties have therefore already begun, aiming for a two-year renewal that would allow the club to spread his wages. Both sides are fully committed to continuing together, and Gasperini's continued presence on the bench provides stability for the technical project. Looking ahead on the transfer market, sporting director D'Amico has said the club will act in January to give Gasperini a new attacking winger, with Gittens currently in pole position.

Roma eased to a 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a result that came just days after a painful defeat at Old Trafford. The Giallorossi were never in danger in a match that the article describes as never in doubt, ending a run of nine games in 27 days before the international break. The result matters because Roma have shown they can move on quickly from setbacks under Gian Piero Gasperini. The article notes that, in past seasons, such collapses often led to lingering tension and outbursts around Trigoria, but this squad has handled the Manchester defeat with maturity and composure. Roma, the piece argues, are a team that will be in the title race until the end of the Serie A season. Gasperini set up in a 3-4-2-1 and kept nine players from the Manchester game. Balerdi started as a clear sign of unwavering trust, a deliberate message to remove any doubt about his position after his costly error a few days earlier. Sassuolo's coach Aquilani, making his first competitive appearance as a head coach at the Olimpico, lined up with Matic in midfield, Thorstvedt as the anchor and a three-man midfield when defending. The external duels were Wesley against Cinquegrano and Molina against Doig, while Mora and Soulé drifted inside to link up with Malen. Roma were patient in possession, moving the ball quickly with rapid triangles, although spaces were tight. Sassuolo's first real chance came from a venomous low drive from Matic from 16 metres, which Vásquez stretched to save. Vásquez was ready again later, and the article notes that his replacements have shown Roma have not suffered without Svilar, who is likely to miss the last Serie A game in his absence. Against a deep Sassuolo block, the wide midfielders and wing-backs had to support Malen, while the speed of Esposito and Laurienté in transition posed a danger. Hermoso broke the deadlock after 30 minutes with a forceful finish, and Malen soon doubled the lead with a fortunate goal. Sassuolo kept four players on the halfway line at corners, and the article suggests Roma could have used blocks or quick short passing routes to create better chances in those moments. Roma's possession and territorial dominance before half-time gave them a reassuring two-goal cushion. Aquilani switched to a 3-4-3 at half-time, bringing on Bowie for Matic and Cinquegrano, with Van den Brempt operating as right wing-back. Roma responded immediately, with Soulé finishing a superb move after a sumptuous through ball from Cristante, although Malen missed an incredible chance into an empty goal. Koné marked Thorstvedt and Cristante marked Sulemana. Malen then provided a delightful assist for Mora to make it 3-0. Gasperini made several changes to manage energy levels: Pisilli and De Roon came on for Koné and Mora, with Pisilli playing as the anchor, Koulierakis and Castro replaced Hermoso and Malen, and Ghilardi entered for Balerdi, who received applause from the Olimpico crowd despite his earlier error. Aquilani's final 3-4-3 had no effect on the outcome.

Rodrigo Mora has scored three consecutive Serie A goals for Roma, and has earned his first senior call-up to the Portugal national team for Nations League matches against Denmark (14 November) and Wales (17 November). The 19-year-old's latest strike came against Sassuolo, a left-footed...

Roma eased to a 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, a result that came just days after a painful defeat at Old Trafford. The Giallorossi were never in danger in a match that the article describes as never in doubt, ending a run of nine games in 27 days before the international break. The result matters because Roma have shown they can move on quickly from setbacks under Gian Piero Gasperini. The article notes that, in past seasons, such collapses often led to lingering tension and outbursts around Trigoria, but this squad has handled the Manchester defeat with maturity and composure. Roma, the piece argues, are a team that will be in the title race until the end of the Serie A season. Gasperini set up in a 3-4-2-1 and kept nine players from the Manchester game. Balerdi started as a clear sign of unwavering trust, a deliberate message to remove any doubt about his position after his costly error a few days earlier. Sassuolo's coach Aquilani, making his first competitive appearance as a head coach at the Olimpico, lined up with Matic in midfield, Thorstvedt as the anchor and a three-man midfield when defending. The external duels were Wesley against Cinquegrano and Molina against Doig, while Mora and Soulé drifted inside to link up with Malen. Roma were patient in possession, moving the ball quickly with rapid triangles, although spaces were tight. Sassuolo's first real chance came from a venomous low drive from Matic from 16 metres, which Vásquez stretched to save. Vásquez was ready again later, and the article notes that his replacements have shown Roma have not suffered without Svilar, who is likely to miss the last Serie A game in his absence. Against a deep Sassuolo block, the wide midfielders and wing-backs had to support Malen, while the speed of Esposito and Laurienté in transition posed a danger. Hermoso broke the deadlock after 30 minutes with a forceful finish, and Malen soon doubled the lead with a fortunate goal. Sassuolo kept four players on the halfway line at corners, and the article suggests Roma could have used blocks or quick short passing routes to create better chances in those moments. Roma's possession and territorial dominance before half-time gave them a reassuring two-goal cushion. Aquilani switched to a 3-4-3 at half-time, bringing on Bowie for Matic and Cinquegrano, with Van den Brempt operating as right wing-back. Roma responded immediately, with Soulé finishing a superb move after a sumptuous through ball from Cristante, although Malen missed an incredible chance into an empty goal. Koné marked Thorstvedt and Cristante marked Sulemana. Malen then provided a delightful assist for Mora to make it 3-0. Gasperini made several changes to manage energy levels: Pisilli and De Roon came on for Koné and Mora, with Pisilli playing as the anchor, Koulierakis and Castro replaced Hermoso and Malen, and Ghilardi entered for Balerdi, who received applause from the Olimpico crowd despite his earlier error. Aquilani's final 3-4-3 had no effect on the outcome.

Roma shook off the memory of their collapses against Manchester and Inter with a 3-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, leading 2-0 at half-time before Mora made it 3-0 thirteen minutes into the second half. Sassuolo, now on a fifth consecutive defeat and with the worst defence in Serie A, offered little resistance, but Corriere della Sera's Davide Stoppini argues the performance mattered as much as the scoreline. The win leaves Gasperini's side comfortable in second place as they wait on Napoli-Lazio and Inter-Como. Roma have scored 31 goals in 11 matches. For context, in 2019-20, the season Gasperini reached 98 goals with Atalanta, the Bergamo side had scored one fewer at this stage of the season. The goals came without the stall that had marked earlier games, with no lapse between the first and second half. Stoppini says the attitude was the real story. Roma were determined to erase the Manchester result and attacked the match from the start, and they kept pressing after the break. He notes Soulé and his teammates led that approach. For Gasperini, the display is a strong signal and further confirmation of a solid group full of certainties.