Roma 3-1 Sassuolo: Match report, reaction and key statistics

Nicolo Zaniolo was perhaps the star of the show on the day - the teenager choosing this occasion to score his first-ever goal for Roma, and his first in Serie A.

And what a goal it was: Zaniolo showing pace, power and poise to make his way into the box, cut back, and loft a cheeky shot over the desperate goalkeeper.

That goal made it 3-0, after Diego Perotti and Patrik Schick had both got on the scoresheet for the hosts.

Khouma Babacar scored a late consolation for the visitors - but by then the game had long since been decided.

It was a positive evening for Roma for so many reasons - not least because it saw Perotti return to the starting line-up for just the second time this term, after battling a number of injuries. And the Argentine made an instant impact, converting an eighth-minute penalty after Schick had been fouled inside the box.

The Czech striker was a threat from the first minute, his runs in behind the defence causing Sassuolo no end of trouble. And mid-way through the first half he would have his own reward for that industry, as he broke the offside trap, rounded the Sassuolo goalkeeper, and calmly steered home.

The Giallorossi had further chances to add to the scoreline - Schick tested Andrea Consigli on multiple occasions, while Cengiz Under also went close many times - but it wasn't until Zaniolo delivered his moment of magic that the game was put truly beyond doubt.

He was soon withdrawn for Javier Pastore, as both he and Edin Dzeko continued their returns to full fitness after injury with extended substitute appearances.

The Giallorossi now turn their attention to Saturday, when they travel to Parma for the final game of the calendar year.