View from the Opposition: Sassuolo

Roma return to Serie A action on Sunday evening, as Jose Mourinho's side travel to Reggio Emilia to take on Sassuolo.

The game at the Mapei Stadium gets underway at 18:00 CET - we asked Valentina Spezzani, a journalist for local newspaper Gazzetta di Modena, to give an insight into what to expect from Alessio Dionisi's side.

Did you perhaps expect a bit more from Sassuolo than they've shown so far this season?

"No, I think what we've been seeing was largely expected, with it being a year of transition after the end of the Roberto De Zerbi era - which brought with it some great results, including a top-eight finish - and following on from the loss of important players like Manuel Locatelli and Francesco Caputo.

"The decision was made to rebuild with a focus on youth, and young players always need time to fully develop. Fortunately Sassuolo are a club where they can allow that sort of time."

What are the differences between the current Sassuolo side and the one that lost at the Olimpico in September?

"Sassuolo faced Roma on the third day of the season, so clearly one of the big differences is the level of understanding between the coach and his players, along with the players and their teammates. Beyond that, there are a number of players that have really built up a lot of confidence in Serie A over the intervening months - Davide Frattesi being one example."

How much will the team miss the suspended duo of Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori?

"They are both big losses - losing two attacking starters would have a big impact on even the biggest and best squads in the league, so you can imagine what it is like for a side like Sassuolo. The one positive aspect is that Dionisi has always made sure that all his players are involved in things, so at least those called upon on Sunday will have a good understanding of the way the team wants to play.

"We shouldn't forget that there are still two key players who will be available, in Domenico Berardi and Hamed Traore, well the game could be a chance for Gregoire Defrel to play in that sort of atypical striker role - one he has always thrived best in at Sassuolo."

What sort of game will it be on SUnday, in your opinion?

"It'll be a game between two injuried sides, given they've both just gone out of the Coppa Italia and are coming off the back of a disappointing result in the league too. Clearly Sassuolo will be buoyed by the fact they matched Juventus right up until the end - but, still, a defeat is a defeat.

"So I think we will see a lot of hunger and determination from both sides. I can't see it being a boring game."

What about Roma will scare Sassuolo the most?

"The scariest aspect of this Roma side is the attacking potential, both in terms of the individual players and what they can produce together as a team. That is usually the case for Sassuolo as well, to be fair, but as mentioned before this time they will be without two key players up there."

What is your prediction for the game?

"Surely it won't be 0-0, given it's a game between two sides that concede a fair amount of goals but also know how to find the net themselves. So for that reason I'm certainly expecting a competitive game, one that won't be settled before the end and will feature a fair few goals. I can't see anything else."