The Argentine star scores his first league goal in nine months as Gasperini’s Roma edge Sassuolo in a tight contest.
Dybala delivers as Roma grind out another crucial win
Roma returned to the top of Serie A — level on points with Napoli — after a hard-fought 1–0 victory away to Sassuolo. Paulo Dybala was the hero of the night, ending a nine-month goal drought in the league and sealing three golden points for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
The home team started strong, pressing high and testing Roma’s defense early. Thorstvedt squandered a golden chance in front of goal, while Fadera forced Svilar into a sharp save from a free kick. But once Roma settled, their quality showed.
In the 16th minute, Dybala combined beautifully with Bryan Cristante, following the move to slot home the rebound for the decisive 1–0. Moments later, the Argentine nearly doubled his tally with a curling free kick that hit the side netting. Sassuolo’s evening went from bad to worse when Romagna limped off injured before halftime.
In the second half, Roma created several opportunities to extend their lead. Substitute Pellegrini hit the post after a clever assist from Dovbyk, while Wesley threatened twice down the right. Sassuolo pushed forward late, switching to an ultra-offensive 4-2-4, but found no way past the disciplined Roma defense led by Mancini and Ndicka.
It wasn’t a sparkling performance, but Gasperini’s men showed the maturity of a title contender — grinding out a tough away win and taking back top spot in the standings.
Match Report
Serie A – Round 8
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Sassuolo 0–1 Roma
Scorer: 16′ Dybala (R)
Sassuolo (4-3-3): Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Romagna (39′ Candé), Doig; Koné (81′ Laurienté), Matic, Thorstvedt (60′ Vranckx); Berardi (60′ Volpato), Pinamonti, Fadera (81′ Cheddira).
Coach: Grosso
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka; Wesley (87′ Rensch), Koné, Cristante (66′ Pellegrini), Tsimikas (46′ Hermoso); El Aynaoui, Bailey (50′ Dovbyk); Dybala (66′ Soulé).
Coach: Gasperini
Referee: Manganiello
Booked: Mancini, Hermoso (Roma); Thorstvedt, Doig, Volpato, Grosso (Sassuolo)
Stadium: Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore
