Roma vs. Sassuolo: chasing the top four

After alternating a loss with a win, the latest coming in the midweek round against Lecce, Roma host Sassuolo in an attempt to regain the consistency that allowed them to fight for first place in the first half of the season. Sassuolo’s form has also dipped slightly over the past month, having not won since December 6 and collecting just two points in the last five matches, including a home defeat against Juventus. A high-quality performance is needed for them to get back on track.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

There are 11 previous matches in Rome between the two teams: a record of 5 Roma victories (the last 1-0 in Serie A 2023/24), 5 draws (the last 0-0 in Serie A 2020/21) and 1 Emilian success (3-4 in Serie A 2022/23).

Roma have scored in 10 out of 11 matches against the Neroverdi at the Olimpico: a total of 22 goals, the only match without goals being the 0-0 in Serie A 2020/21.

DID YOU KNOW?

Roma without draws in official matches since last April, 1-1 in Serie A in the derby at Lazio's home; since that moment, in the subsequent 31 official matches, the Giallorossi have collected 21 victories and 10 defeats.

Roma are the team that concedes the fewest goals in Serie A 2025/26 (12), like Como.

Roma are the only team in Serie A 2025/26 that hasn't conceded penalties after 19 rounds.

Facing each other at the Olimpico are the two most substituted players in Serie A 2025/26, Soulè (16) and Laurienté (15).

COACHES and PLAYERS

Against Lecce, 3rd Serie A goal for Evan Ferguson: there are 5 goals in all competitions for the Irish striker, just one away from equaling his second best seasonal record ever (6 goals in the 2023/24 season with Brighton), but still far from his maximum (11 goals in the 2022/23 season, also with Brighton).

Arijanet Muric (69) is the second goalkeeper in Serie A 2025/26 for saves made: in first place is Elia Caprile at 70.

DISCIPLINE 

Suspended: Cristante (Roma)

Cautioned: Wesley (Roma); Muharemovic, Doig, Walukiewicz (Sassuolo)

REFEREE

MARCENARO (MONDIN – MONACO) IV: MARCHETTI, VAR: MAGGIONI, AVAR: DI BELLO

UPCOMING MATCHES

Torino-Roma (Sunday January 18, 18.00 CET)

Napoli-Sassuolo (Saturday January 17, 18.00 CET)

(Photo Getty Images)