Lorenzo Pellegrini’s adeptly executed shot from beyond the penalty area proved decisive for AS Roma in their narrow victory over Sassuolo, allowing them to maintain their pursuit of qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
AS Roma entered the match following a disappointing defeat at the hands of Brighton on Thursday, compounded by the absence of key players such as Paulo Dybala, Chris Smalling, and Rasmus Kristensen. However, there was a glimmer of hope as Tammy Abraham made his return to the bench for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in June. Additionally, Romelu Lukaku overcame a persistent hip injury to start alongside Houssem Aouar in an advanced position. Meanwhile, Sassuolo, under new coach Davide Ballardini, had secured a victory over Frosinone in their previous outing, albeit without the services of Kristian Thorstvedt and Josh Doig, who were suspended, and Domenico Berardi, sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an Achilles tendon injury.
Despite Lukaku’s early attempts, including a headed effort from a cross by Leonardo Spinazzola, AS Roma struggled to break through Sassuolo’s compact defensive setup.
Spinazzola’s departure due to a muscular issue in the 36th minute forced AS Roma to introduce Angelino, while Stephan El Shaarawy was called upon to fulfill defensive duties on the left flank.
AS Roma’s persistence paid off when Pellegrini capitalized on a moment of brilliance, cutting inside from the left before unleashing a perfectly placed curling shot with his right foot, finding the bottom corner of the net.
Sassuolo mounted a late surge, with Mile Svilar making a crucial save to deny Uros Racic’s long-range effort, and Martin Erlic blocking Lukaku’s goal-bound strike.
Tommaso Baldanzi came close to doubling AS Roma’s lead, but Andrea Consigli thwarted his attempt at the near post. However, Sassuolo nearly equalized in the dying moments of the match, with Diego Llorente inadvertently striking the woodwork while attempting to clear a dangerous cross from Nedim Bajrami, followed by Mattia Viti’s missed opportunity on the rebound.
Roma 1-0 Sassuolo