Serie A: Roma beat Sassuolo to close in on Inter Milan

Roma moved three points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan after a 2-0 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Despite injuries and several players away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Roma broke through late thanks to goals from Manu Kone and Matias Soule.

Kone opened the scoring in the 77th minute, heading home Soule’s precise cross. Two minutes later, Soule converted a clever flick from Stephan El Shaarawy to seal the win.

Speaking to DAZN, Soule joked that he would buy El Shaarawy “a bottle of wine” after the goal. El Shaarawy also hit the bar in stoppage time, but a goal was ruled out for offside.

“Thankfully, the second half was played in a different spirit. Matches open up as they go on, and we just need to keep going as we are,” Soule said.

Roma, who had seven players unavailable and five academy players on the bench, are now level on 39 points with AC Milan, who play Fiorentina on Sunday.

Sassuolo, 12th in the league and 10 points above the relegation zone, kept Roma at bay in a quiet first half.

“There was more intensity and quality in the second half,” Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini said. “I saw good play in tight situations and the ability to create danger in the opposition’s area. I can only thank the players for their commitment, character, and quality.”

Meanwhile, Milan and Inter, who both have a game in hand due to the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, face Como and Napoli respectively in the coming week.

Como salvaged a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bologna, with Martin Baturina scoring late. Napoli lead fourth place by four points and will host Parma in their game in hand.