Five Things We Learned: Salah's versatility helps Roma go into break with a win

Roma recorded a hard fought 3-1 win vs Sassuolo, our columnist looks at five key points from the contest...

Roma head into the international break with some confidence restored

After defeating Sassuolo 3-1 in an entertaining contest, Roma head into the international break having retained their two-point advantage over Napoli, and with it second position on the Serie A ladder.

Eusebio Di Francesco's men certainly didn't make life easy for the Giallorossi, but despite going a goal down early, the home side showed immense character to come back and claim victory.

"After the letdown against Lyon we needed to get the three points,” midfielder Kevin Strootman said. “We didn't make a good start and they performed very well in the first 15 or 20 minutes; in general they played the first half without fear.

"We showed our strength in the second half and we have to continue in this manner. We need to concentrate on second place."

Dynamic Salah wreaks havoc

Mohamed Salah's dynamism proved to a constant thorn in the Neroverdi's side, with his pace, trickery and intelligent movement ensuring he was a menacing adversary. He'd cleverly mix up his movement by alternating between making dangerous, stretching runs in behind the Sassuolo backline and into the channel, plus by venturing infield and occupying the 10 spaces.

When doing the latter, he'd give Roma a terrific central attacking presence alongside Stephan El Shaarawy, Radja Nainggolan and the always marauding Strootman. The understanding between Salah and Strootman was a real highlight, however, as the pair combined on 18 occasions to persistently drive their side forward with their slick link up play.

Bagging a goal and an assist were deserved rewards for his versatile all-round performance.

Paredes continues to underline his worth

While Leandro Paredes drew the headlines courtesy of his fearsome first half strike, there was so much more to admire about the Argentine's accomplished performance. From his central midfield station, his resistance to pressure, enviable awareness and immense passing qualities saw him play a key role in Roma's possession phases.

Whether spraying 40 yard long balls, linking play intricately in close or executing line breaking through balls, this aspect of his game was vital for Roma on his way to conjuring four key passes.

His tenacity, work rate and fighting spirit on the defensive end suitably accompanied his fine offensive efforts, in a match where he highlighted just what a prominent figure he's becoming under Luciano Spalletti's tutelage.

Szczesny shines again

Although Wojciech Szczesny couldn’t keep his 12th clean sheet of the season, his commanding showing in between the sticks was vital in his side obtaining all three points. Displaying an excellent command of his area, razor sharp reflexes and fine positioning, the Polish international made a couple of stunning saves to deny the away team throughout.

Sassuolo's former Roma man, Matteo Politano, would've been especially frustrated, for he had a string of well hit chances beautifully saved by Szczesny. Indeed, this was another demonstration of how well his maturation and development as a player has been since moving to the Eternal City.

Dzeko's crucial cameo

Just as he did a week ago against Palermo in Roma’s previous Serie A fixture, Edin Dzeko came off bench to seal the match for his side with a classy finish.

With the game in the balance at 2-1, the Bosnian’s crucial strike gave Roma the all-important two-goal cushion ahead of the final quarter of the match. Now with eight goals in his last nine games, and 31 goals for the season, the 31-year-old's sterling form is certainly showing no signs of slowing.

Whether featuring from the outset or entering the field as a substitute, Dzeko's unquestionably a massive force to be reckoned with.