Rome, Jan. 10 (LaPresse) – On the 20th matchday of Serie A, Roma beat Sassuolo 2-0 at the Olimpico and extend their lead over Como in the standings ahead of Monday night's match between Juventus and Cremonese. The Giallorossi had a timid first half and risked going behind in the 17th minute when Koné (of Sassuolo) broke away alone towards the Roma goal but failed to beat Svilar, with Laurentiè sending the rebound wide. In the 20th minute, Soulè tried his luck with a long-range shot that grazed the post. In the 38th minute, Gian Piero Gasperini had to replace Ferguson, who was suffering from a gluteal injury after a tackle. El Sharaawy came on in his place. In the second half, Roma stepped up a gear, thanks in part to the introduction of Wesley, who replaced the invisible Tsimikas. The Giallorossi took the lead in the 76th minute: Celik made a solo run, creating space for a shot but then passing to Soulè on the left. The Argentine's delicate cross was met by Koné's winning header. Three minutes later, they doubled their lead. Ghilardi made an excellent run down the right, passed into the center, El Shaarawy backheeled the ball, and Soulé scored. With today's victory, Roma move up to 39 points, provisionally overtaking Napoli (who play Inter tomorrow evening in the Scudetto decider and have a game in hand for the Super Cup). Sassuolo remain on 23 points.
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