Roma beat Sassuolo 2-0 with goals from Manu Koné and Matias Soule; Gasperini praised the team but dodged questions on Giacomo Raspadori. Injuries to Evan Ferguson and others complicate selection. Betting takeaway: favour Roma to win and consider Roma -1 (Asian handicap) or “Roma to win & both teams not to score.”
Roma 2-0 Sassuolo — Match Report
AS Roma finally broke through after a cautious first half to beat Sassuolo 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. Manu Koné opened the scoring and Matias Soulé doubled the lead shortly after, a rapid finish set up by a Stephan El Shaarawy flick. A penalty was earlier revoked for an offside and Roma tightened control after the interval.
Goals and key moments
Manu Koné put Roma in front after sustained pressure, and just two minutes later Matias Soulé finished a move featuring El Shaarawy’s back-heel to make it 2-0. The team looked timid in the final third before the restart but raised tempo and technical quality after the break, converting dominance into two decisive strikes.
Gasperini praises squad but refuses to discuss Raspadori
Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised his players’ effort and quality, highlighting sharper close passes and improved tempo after halftime. When pressed about reports linking Giacomo Raspadori with a move, Gasperini labelled the speculation irritating and refused to fuel media talk, saying he preferred to focus on his current squad.
Paulo Dybala and attacking form
Paulo Dybala produced moments of class but remains without a Serie A goal since his last meeting with Sassuolo 76 days ago. Gasperini expressed confidence that Dybala will regain the composure and precision in front of goal, noting the forward’s repertoire of skills and importance in big matches.
Injury update and squad worries
The injury list grew during the match when Evan Ferguson limped off with a bruised back. He joins Artem Dovbyk, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Leon Bailey and Pierluigi Gollini on the treatment table. Neil El Aynaoui and Evan Ndicka are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Wesley made a late cameo despite flu symptoms. Gasperini suggested Ferguson’s knock is painful but not likely muscular, with tests pending.
Tactical note: Soulé’s central role
Soulé started centrally after Ferguson’s exit and impressed with tenacity and creativity. Gasperini said the player has the attributes for the position but needs greater sharpness and stamina to replicate his training form consistently in matches.
League impact and betting implications
Roma are assured of at least a share of fourth place this weekend, with other results elsewhere doing little to dent their standing for now. For punters, the win and fitness doubts at Roma create two clear angles: favour Roma to win (moneyline) or back Roma -1 on the Asian handicap given their control and form. With several injured forwards, consider markets like “Roma to win & both teams not to score” rather than high-scoring options if you expect a cautious selection.
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Gian Piero Gasperini praised his Roma talent after their 2-0 win over Sassuolo, but refused...
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