Roma suffered a 4-3 defeat at home to Sassuolo on Sunday evening, which also saw Marash Kumbulla sent off in a thrilling spectacle at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Neroverdi quickly established a two-goal lead after forward Armand Lauriente scored with a quick-fire double after just 18 minutes of play. Sassuolo were clinical in the final third but it didn’t take long for Roma to make it 2-1 through Nicola Zalewski. The first half would conclude in action-packed fashion too, with Kumbulla seeing red, before Domenico Berardi tucked home the resulting penalty to re-establish the visitors’ two-goal advantage.
Paulo Dybala was influential when he was introduced at the break and managed to reduce the deficit once more after just five minutes. However, it was always going to be difficult for Roma after they went down to ten men and they struggled to really create much to get back into the match.
Andrea Pinamonti would wrap up the victory for Sassuolo when he chipped the ball past Rui Patricio with an excellent finish later on in the second half, despite Georginio Wijnaldum scoring a third for the Giallorossi in injury time. So, here’s our Roma player ratings after their enthralling encounter at home to Sassuolo.
Roma: (3-5-2)
Rui Patricio – 5.5
Had a busy start to the match and was forced into a number of saves but conceded two goals in quick succession. Tipped over a good strike from Andrea Pinamonti towards the end of the half but would go on to concede a further two in the match.
Marash Kumbulla – 2
Saw red after lashing out at Berardi towards the end of the first half, leaving Roma in a dreadful situation for the second half. The incident also led to a penalty for Sassuolo as they went 3-1 ahead at the break.
Chris Smalling – 6.5
Was one of Roma’s better defenders in a difficult night for the Giallorossi defense and did fairly well after being booked early on.
Roger Ibanez – 5
Accurate in possession but didn’t do enough in a poor defensive display by Roma here.
Nicola Zalewski – 7.5
Found Tammy Abraham with a decent pass in the opening moments and threatened at points down the right flank. Scored his first senior goal with a volley into the ground to pull a goal back for Roma.
Edoardo Bove – 4.5
A difficult night for the 20-year-old and failed to make much of an impact on the game. Subbed off at half time for Paulo Dybala.
Nemanja Matic – 5.5
Played a fine ball from deep for Georginio Wijnaldum for a great opportunity in the first couple of minutes of the match. Caught a little on the break in the midfield and did make an error leading to a goal.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7
Could have scored after getting in behind the Sassuolo back line early on but his effort was denied by Andrea Consigli. Threatened at points as he looked to attack from the midfield and also got on the scoresheet late on.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 7
Provided the main outlet down the left flank and was able to assist with a deep cross to fellow wing-back Nicola Zalewski midway through the first half. Most creative player for the hosts in the first half but was replaced by Rick Karsdorp at the interval.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 7
Managed to create a couple of chances and also provided the assist for Paulo Dybala
Tammy Abraham – 5.5
Had a decent effort on goal after touching the ball down well in the first ten minutes of the match but couldn’t find the target. Showed some signs of decent centre-forward play but wasn’t able to impact the game much overall.
Substitutions
Paulo Dybala – 7.5
Made a big impact when he was introduced at the break and managed to make it 3-2 with a fantastic goal less than five minutes into the second half. Almost got his second with a chip later on in the half but was denied by Consigli.
Rick Karsdorp – 5
Offered no where near the same threat in attack as Spinazzola when he came on at the break.
Mohamed Camara – 5.5
Did okay in his duels when he came on but did little to improve things in the midfield for Roma.