Roma vs Sassuolo 3-4: Berardi Stars in Chaotic Showing at Olimpico

Domenico Berardi was the main man for Sassuolo after they came away from the Stadio Olimpico with all three points in a gripping 4-3 victory against Roma. 

Roma were without Jose Mourinho in the technical area since he was serving a two-match ban after being sent to the stands against Cremonese. However, his side were unable to find victory as they conceded four and were reduced to ten in defeat. 

Lauriente Fires Sassuolo Into Two-Goal Lead 

Georginio Wijnaldum had the first chance of the match early on as a long ball from deep found its way to the midfielder in behind the Sassuolo defense. The Dutch midfielder fired a shot at goal but goalkeeper Andrea Consigli was able to make a solid stop to deny him.

The visitors took the lead, however, shortly after, following some good link-up play between Matheus Henrique and Davide Frattesi. Chris Smalling made a fantastic block to deny Frattesi in the box before Andrea Pinamonti fired at goal. Rui Patricio made a fine stop down low to his right but he could nothing about the rebound as Armand Lauriente tucked the ball away with an easy finish to put Sassuolo in front. 

It wasn’t long before Lauriente would stun the Olimpico once more, slotting the ball away with a finish from inside the box. Berardi was heavily involved in the build-up to help give the visitors a two-goal advantage and was able to provide the assist after his initial shot was saved by Patricio. It would be a mountain to climb for Roma as Sassuolo looked deadly in the final third. 

Zalewski Scores But Kumbulla Sees Red

However, Nicola Zalewski was able to pull a goal back midway through the first half when a Leonardo Spinazzola cross found the 21-year-old at the back post. His volley bounced into the ground before looping over Consigli and into the net to half the deficit. Wijnaldum would also go close once more with a header soon after but missed the target. It was a thrilling opening half hour in the capital. 

The first half would also end in dramatic fashion, with Berardi at the centre of the action. He almost added a third goal for Sassuolo when he shot from close range but Patricio was out quick to meet him. However, in the aftermath, he collided with Marash Kumbulla before the Roma defender kicked out at Berardi.

Referee Michael Fabbri would be sent to the VAR monitor and would decide to dismiss Kumbulla for the petulance directed at the Neroverdi attacker. Things would go from bad to worse for the hosts as Fabbri also awarded a penalty kick to the away side. Berardi would fire the ball home from the spot, sending Patricio the wrong way to conclude a swashbuckling first half for Sassuolo in Rome. 

Pinamonti Delivers Final Blow 

Paulo Dybala made a near instant impact after being introduced at the break, scoring the fifth goal of the night to make it 3-2 with a brilliant curling effort from outside the box as it made its way into the far corner. The end-to-end action would resume and Berardi almost score again but was denied by the crossbar. 

The match settled into the second half but Pinamonti was able to score Sassuolo’s fourth of the night with a deft chip over Patricio which would help secure all three points for the Neroverdi. Wijnaldum would find a third for the Giallorossi late on but it was not enough as they suffered defeat. 

MATCH SCORECARD

March 12, 2023 – Serie A 2022-23 Round 26
ROMA – SASSUOLO 3-4

SCORERS: 13′, 18′ Lauriente, 45+4′ Berardi (Pen), 75′ Pinamonti (S); 26′ Zalewski, 51′ Dybala, 90+5′ Wijnaldum (R)