View from the Opposition: Sassuolo keep striving for more

We find out a bit more about Wednesday's opponents - a club currently riding a wave of momentum to ever-greater heights...

Sassuolo have been referred to recently as the 'Italian Leicester' - having seen the side gain promotion to Serie A and then soon after found themselves in the Europa League for the first time - making it to the group stage this season.

Roma have impressed in recent weeks with wins against Napoli and Inter, but now must face off against another team with European commitments, both squads in the midst of a very heavy schedule.

We spoke to Italian football enthusiast Dean about the upcoming match.

Sassuolo currently find themselves 9th in the table, with four wins, one draw and a loss, how has the season started?

"It looks to have been a steady start with thirteen points from the opening nine games. A total which would have been sixteen points had the club not been stripped of the three points picked up against Pescara in August due to the introduction in the 65th minute of substitute Antonino Ragusa, who was not named in the 25-man league squad.

"Europe League football has stretched Mister Di Francesco's small squad to its limit but fringe players such as Marcello Gazzola and Pietro Iemmello have stepped up when called upon."

What are Sassuolo’s expectations this year?

"To improve on last season's 6th place finish. Despite the size of the club, especially in terms of fan base, the club is always looking to improve. The club's owner Giorgio Squinzi harbors hopes of bringing Champions League football to the Mapei Stadium."

What was the transfer window like for Sassuolo?

"The headline of the summer transfer window was Domenico Berardi's decision to resist the advances of Juventus and continue his development under Di Francesco. First team duo Sime Vrsaljko (Atletico Madrid) and Nicola Sansone (Villarreal CF) both departed in the summer for big fees but were replaced with Pol Lirola on loan from Juventus and Roma Primavera product, Matteo Politano."

Which players could make an impact against Roma?

"Politano will be looking to prove a point against his former club. The winger has filled the void left by Nicola Sansone and has scored five goals in sixteen appearances so far this season."

What sort of tactical set-up could we see from Sassuolo in this match?

"4-3-3 with the front three pressing high up the pitch. Influential captain Francesco Magnanelli has been ruled out until late November with a thigh injury so the technically gifted Stefano Sensi could come into the side. Domenico Berardi remains sidelined with a knee ligament injury.

I can even predict the XI: Consigli, Lirola, Cannavaro, Acerbi, Peluso, Sensi, Biondini, Pellegrini, Defrel, Matri, Politano."

How do Sassuolo fans view Roma? And what have they made of the Roma's start to the season?

"There is no particular animosity towards Roma, possibly due to the good relationship the clubs have, which has seen many players move from the capital to Emilia-Romagna."

If you could add one player from Roma to Sassuolo’s squad, who would it be?

"Radja Nainggolan. In my eyes, he's currently the best all-round midfielder in the world."

What is your score prediction for the game?

"It should be an open game with both sides dangerous on the counter attack. Sassuolo 2-3 Roma."

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