Roma vs Sassuolo: De Rossi's men continue quest for Champions League football with hard-fought win

Despite facing a struggling Sassuolo side, Roma knew they couldn't take anything for granted.

The match started slowly, with the hosts creating few chances in the first half-hour.

Romelu Lukaku missed a couple of opportunities to score before Lorenzo Pellegrini broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range strike in the 50th minute.

Sassuolo responded well, forcing a save from Mile Svilar, but they couldn't find an equalizer.

Despite a nervy end to the game, De Rossi's men held on for the win, moving within three points of fourth-placed Bologna.

Meanwhile, Sassuolo's woes continued as they suffered their eighth consecutive away defeat, keeping them in the relegation zone over the international break.