Paulo Dybala was the hero for AS Roma on Sunday night, netting his first Serie A goal of the season to hand his side a hard-fought 1–0 win over Sassuolo and move them level on points with league leaders Napoli.
The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Dybala combined neatly with Bryan Cristante, whose initial effort was parried by goalkeeper Arijanet Muric. The Argentine forward reacted quickest, slotting the rebound into an empty net to claim his 130th Serie A goal and his first from open play since December last year.
“These are three very important points for us,” Dybala said after the match. “We knew we could go top of the table, but we have to stay grounded. The season is still very long.”
Under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who took charge in July, Roma have built their resurgence on a solid defensive foundation. The team has conceded just three goals in eight league matches the best defensive record in Serie A though they continue to struggle in front of goal, managing only eight so far.
The victory leaves Roma in second place, level on points with reigning champions Napoli, who beat Inter Milan 3–1 on Saturday, but behind them on goal difference.
