Four Things We Learned: Schick shines as Sassuolo are brushed aside

Exceptional performance rewarded

Roma's terrific 3-1 win over Sassuolo was surely one of their best performances of the season. Scorching out of the blocks with an early opener, the home side built on this fast start as they controlled large chunks of the game with both their defensive and offensive exertions.

With a number of highlights to be drawn from this triumph, defeating Roberto de Zerbi's bold team - who had only lost one of their last nine league matches - so comfortably while playing so many youngsters and getting minutes into many returning from injury, Eusebio Di Francesco was rightfully delighted.

“I think this was possibly our best performance of the season on a technical level," Di Francesco said.

"We're on the right track. I saw lots of good things, especially from our forwards making runs in behind and keeping a high line. We'd prepared those things before the game and were able to put them into practice."

Schick stars

It was so positive to see the often-criticised Patrik Schick put in a brilliant shift that was decorated with a number of positive moments. Repaying his manager's faith for sticking by him, the Czech was involved in so much of Roma's finest offensive work: as he won the penalty to give Roma a crucial early lead, scored a superb goal of his own and performed his duties with conviction.

Key to his strong display was his movement, as he constantly scanned his environment to get an updated mental imagery of his surroundings before embarking on his runs. In addition, the way he waited for his teammate to be in a position with their head up and the ball on their preferred foot prior to making his run was key. With the Giallorossi's first two goals coming about courtesy of his wonderfully timed runs in behind, they served as a testament to his quality in this regard.

On a night where he also deserved credit for his composure to round Sassuolo goalkeeper, Andrea Consigli, to apply his finish, plus through his three key passes and three defensive actions, this was a certainly a showing that will give Schick plenty of confidence.

Left side humming with Perotti's return

The powerful runs and slick distribution of Aleksandar Kolarov, in combination with the creativity and technical qualities of Diego Perotti, ensured Roma's left side was a great source of attacking impetus.

Possessing a neat understanding with one another, the duo dovetailed effectively to produce many promising moments. They rotated positions well, covered for one another and made space for each other successfully, as they got the best out of each other.

Considering this was just the injury hit Perotti's second league start this term, the signs were very encouraging that the pair instantly resumed their relationship, something that should bode well for the Giallorossi in their quest to rise up the table.

Perotti especially drew the praise of his manager, who cited how valuable his unique skill set is, explaining: “Diego is one of those players who's good at beating his man, which is essential in football.

"Big teams need players like him when they come up against sides who sit deep. We really missed him. Fortunately he's getting back to his best now.”

Excellent signs without the ball

Despite conceding a late goal that robbed them of what would have been a valuable clean sheet, Roma's defensive work was largely sound throughout.

Their pressing was a good place to start, where their man orientated high pressing setup, aggression and intensity being key reasons why Sassuolo struggled to implement their customary expansive passing game. Forcing many turnovers through limiting the Neroverdi's options, they effectively suffocated the away side's build up.

In addition, the way Roma kept their line nice and high and cohesively spaced, this only served to condense the room Sassuolo had to work in.

Other notable aspects of their collective stopping output came from how they dealt with set pieces sternly, won so many individuals battles in key areas and counterpressed forcefully immediately after possession was lost, in order to regain the ball and attack again against an unset defence.