Roma v Sassuolo: Man of the Match

It was a scintillating performance by the Giallorossi, as they poured in four goals in the first half. The second half was slightly less impress as defensive flaws reared their ugly heads again. However, Roma will have plenty to smile about after a 4-2 victory over Sassuolo at the Olimpico. The attack was scary good throughout the match and it was the attacking quartet that really stood out. However, only one of those players can be named out CdT Man of the Match.

The Candidates

Lorenzo Pellegrini

Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Wow. Wow. Wow. Pellegrini was outstanding in this one. He may not have scored a goal, but he had a hat-trick of assists in the first half and hit the post in the second. Pellegrini finished with an 80% passing rate and picked out teammates with pinpoint accuracy throughout. The young Roman certainly gave Fonseca food for thought, as he played perhaps the finest match of his career in the trequartista position after playing the first two in the double pivot.

Edin Dzeko

Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Dzeko looks like a man reborn under Fonseca. The Big Bosnian scored his second goal of the season and nearly had his third when he smashed a header off the crossbar. However, his game is about much more than how often he’s on the scoresheet. His work in the build up was integral on Roma’s first and third goals as well. With a rejuvinated Dzeko leading the line, Roma should score plenty of goals this season.

Justin Kluivert

Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Kluivert was handed the start on the wing at the expense of Nicolo Zaniolo and didn’t make his manager regret the decision. The young Dutchman rewarded his side with a goal on the counter and worked hard throughout. Kluivert was a thorn in Sassuolo’s side drawing four fouls, while giving the opposition plenty to think about on the counterattack. With the long term injuries to Perotti and Ünder, Kluivert has a huge opportunity to stake his claim to an important role in a talented attack.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images

While he may not have stood out as much as some of his teammates, Mkhitaryan was impressive in his Roma debut. The Armenian scored a goal and displayed his class throughout. Mkhitaryan showed just why Petrachi took a last minute flyer on him. He was calm in possession and helped Roma build in attack throughout. Yet another horse in a talented stable of attackers for Fonseca. He could prove to be a true thoroughbred.