AS Roma secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico, thanks to late strikes from Manu Koné and Matías Soulé. The Serie A encounter remained goalless until the 76th minute, when Koné broke the deadlock, followed swiftly by Soulé's clincher three minutes later. This win further solidifies Roma's position in the league as they continue their pursuit of a top-four finish.
A Tense First Half Sets the Stage
The first half was marked by a flurry of yellow cards, with Roma's M. Kone, M. Hermoso, and G. Gasperini all booked within a two-minute span. Despite dominating possession with 64%, Roma struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances, as Sassuolo's defense held firm. The visitors, however, managed only five shots throughout the match, highlighting their struggles in the attacking third.
Koné and Soulé Shine in the Second Half
Roma's persistence paid off in the second half, with Manu Koné opening the scoring in the 76th minute, assisted by M. Soule. Just three minutes later, Soulé turned scorer, with S. El Shaarawy providing the assist. This quick double strike left Sassuolo reeling and unable to mount a comeback, despite making several substitutions in an attempt to change the game's flow.
Statistical Insights
Roma's dominance was evident in their 26 total shots compared to Sassuolo's five, with six of those on target. Their passing accuracy stood at an impressive 88%, reflecting their control over the game. Paulo Dybala was instrumental in Roma's attack, contributing eight key passes and engaging in 17 duels. Meanwhile, Gianluca Mancini's defensive prowess was highlighted by his 12 duels won.
Looking Ahead
Roma's recent form has been promising, with this victory marking another step towards their season objectives. Their ability to secure wins in tight matches will be crucial as they aim for European qualification. Sassuolo, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their offensive shortcomings to improve their standing in the league.
