Roma will be looking to maintain their 100% home record when they take on Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico.

Juventus could only manage a draw with Fiorentina in Friday nights game and a Roma win will reduce the arrears to a single point at the top of Serie ARoma have won all seven of their home games and hadn't conceded a goal until last weeks 4-2 win over Inter. They have won their last three games in Serie A since losing to Napoli at the start of November and will want to get the three points against Sassuolo ahead of a huge Champions League winner takes all game against Manchester City

They will be without Vasilis Torosidis, Leandro Castan, Federico Balzaretti and Salih Ucan for the game against Sassuolo but Maicon and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa are available for selection. Rudi Garcia faces a difficult balancing act and would no doubt like to rest as many players as possible ahead of the Champions League game but will be determined not to miss the opportunity to get closer to Juventus in Serie A.

Sassuolo are currently tenth in Serie A and have completely turned things around after a poor start. They failed to win in their opening seven games but have won four and drawn two since to move into the top half of the table. Domenico Berardi has been the star in attack with three goals, four assists and Francesco Acerbi has led the resurgence in defence that has improved dramatically since conceding seven to Inter in September. The Neroverdi will be without Francesco Magnanelli who misses out due to suspension.

Roma's home form should be enough to see them win this game but Garcia will have to be careful with his team selection as Sassuolo on current form could cause an upset if he underestimates them. 

Probable Lineups

Roma - De Sanctis; Maicon, Astori, Manolas, Cole; Nainggolan, De Rossi, Pjanic; Iturbe, Destro, Ljajic.

Sassuolo - Consigli; Vrsaljko, Cannavaro, Acerbi, Peluso; Missiroli, Brighi, Taider; Berardi, Zaza, Sansone. 

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About the author
Gerry Johnston
Cover Spanish and Italian football for VAVEL UK.