Roma are showing the kind of resilience that title-chasing sides need, but questions about their ability to manage games in Europe refuse to go away. A 3-0 win over a struggling Sassuolo on Saturday gave Gasperini's side an immediate response to the painful 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford, where Roma had led 2-0 before collapsing in the second half. That Manchester result was the second time this season Roma have surrendered a lead in the Champions League, and it left them on four points in the competition with real work still to do.

The domestic form tells a different story. Three consecutive Serie A wins have lifted Roma to third place with 27 points from 11 games, one point behind leaders Lazio. Against Sassuolo, Hermoso, an own goal and Rodrigo Mora did the damage in a controlled performance that barely required Roma to move out of second gear. Gasperini acknowledged the patience his side showed, noting they won with personality after a match that was not straightforward to open up.

Injuries continue to complicate squad planning. Svilar remains out, leaving Vasquez in goal, while Dybala, Pellegrini and Rensch are also unavailable. Mancini picked up a muscle problem that rules him out of the national team break as well. With a trip to Parma next on 21 November, Roma will use the international window to recover bodies before a run of fixtures that could define their season on both fronts.