View from the Opposition: Sassuolo

The game at the Stadio Olimpico takes place on Sunday night, with kick-off at 20:45 local time.

We spoke to Antonio Parrotto, a journalist for sassuolonews.net, to give his lowdown on the Neroverdi - who swapped Roberto De Zerbi for Alessio Dionisi in the dugout over the summer and have taken four points from their two games so far...

How would you judge Sassuolo's start to the season?

"Definitely promising. An invaluable away win over Hellas Verona on the opening day and then a draw, hard-fought, against Sampdoria - coached by Roberto D'Aversa, who always seems to have found a way to make things difficult for the Neroverdi.

"For Sassuolo to begin the new season, and a new project really, with four points out of six is definitely a big boost. Those results will only have a positive impact on morale and give the new coach more credibility and confidence."

What do you make of Alessio Dionisi so far? Are there many differences between his Sassuolo side and that of De Zerbi?

"Like De Zerbi, Dionisi is a promising young coach who wants to play an attractive style of football. He's immediately been able to impose an identity on the team and he's gone about it in a smart way too - because he hasn't tried to erase everything they've been doing for the last three years. Instead he's tried to build on his predecessors ideas, while obviously adding some of his own elements.

"In some ways, the style of play is very similar. But there are differences: over the first couple of games we have seen a few more long balls, we've seen some signs that Sassuolo will try to go deep a bit more often, and use the forwards in close contact with their teammates to try and create quick attacking opportunities."

Where are the strengths and weaknesses of this current Sassuolo side?

"The biggest strength, generally speaking, has always been the infrastructure of the club itself. But if we focus on things on the pitch, then it's the style of play.

"Sassuolo have an approach, it's in their DNA, that they want to go out and play their way wherever they are. That was how it was under Eusebio Di Francesco, how it was under De Zerbi and how it is now with Dionisi. That attacking mindset is what the owner [Squinzi] wants, and I think it's cornerstone of the Sassuolo identity and everything else builds off that.

"On the other hand, when there is such a focus on the attacking play, sometimes the side leaves itself a bit open on the counter-attack. Perhaps in general there are occasionally a few defensive lapses, but Dionisi has already shown before that he knows what it takes to tighten things up at the back."

Compared to the 0-0 draw with Sampdoria, what changes do you think could be made for this game against Roma?

"I expect a few tweeks, but a lot will depend on the fitness of the nine players that were called up to their international squads over the past few weeks. Francesco Caputo isn't there any more, after signing for Sampdoria, so in attack there could be a space for Gianluca Scamacca (a former Roma youth player) or Giacomo Raspadori, who scored against Roma the last time the two sides met.

"Then there is Domenico Berardi, who should be out there for the first time this season after a knock and transfer speculation kept him out of the early games. But other than that I expect the usual 4-2-3-1 formation with Consigli in goal, Toljan and Rogerio at full-back, Chiriches and Ferrari in the middle. Maxime Lopez and Davide Frattesi in midfield, with Berardi, Djuricic and Boga supporting Raspadori or Scamacca in attack."

Who is the most important player for Sassuolo at the minute?

"I think Gian Marco Ferrari is definitely very underrated. He had a great season last year under De Zerbi, who wanted to take him with him to Shakhtar Donetsk. He's the defensive lynchpin and one of the team's leaders - he's really improved a lot in many areas.

"Another key player for Dionisi's Sassuolo is Maxime Lopez, who will probably be their next big transfer windfall. He's not a big guy but on the pitch you can see just how good he is with the ball at his feet. Then there is Domenico Berardi - Mr Sassuolo. He and club captain Magnanelli, who isn't the youngest anymore, embody what the club means."

If you could, which player would you steal from Mourinho's squad?

"Roma are a really good side and they've been smart about how they have strengthened during the transfer window. Last season they were fighting to finish seventh with Sassuolo, but I think this year they have their sights set a bit higher.

"There are a number of players I'd love to have from the Giallorossi - but if I have to pick just one then it would be Jordan Veretout, another player who I think is a bit underrated around the world. I'm glad to see the French coach Didier Deschamps finally recognise his quality and call him up.

"Then of course there is Nicolo Zaniolo: I think he's the most natural talent we have in Italian football and I hope this season he has a bit more luck because that's all he needs in order to become a global star.

"Finally there is Tammy Abraham: he cost a lot, but he's a smart player and a strong one and he can definitely give the Roma fans a lot to shout about."

What is your prediction for Sunday's game, then?

"Last year I said it would be a draw and in the end the game finished 2-2 thanks to Raspadori's late effort. Right now both these times are unbeaten, and both are just at the start of their journey with new coaches.

"For Roma, however, there's a real enthusiasm about the team at the moment and I think that might just make the difference. I think there will be plenty of goals and both teams will get on the scoresheet, but Roma might edge it in the end."