Sassuolo W vs Roma W: Serie A Women's Clash Preview

Stadio Enzo Ricci hosts a classic top-versus-bottom clash on 10 May 2026 as ninth-placed Sassuolo W welcome league leaders Roma W in Serie A Women. With Roma pushing to secure the title and Sassuolo still looking over their shoulder near the bottom, the stakes are clear: survival security for the hosts, dominance and momentum for the visitors.

Context and stakes

In the league, Roma W arrive as the benchmark side. They sit 1st with 49 points from 20 matches (15 wins, 4 draws, 1 defeat) and a +20 goal difference, boasting both the best attack (39 goals scored) and one of the tightest defences (19 conceded). Their form line of “WWWWD” underlines how hard they are to stop.

Sassuolo W are in a very different fight. Ninth with 17 points from 20 games, they have won just 4 times, drawing 5 and losing 11, with a -14 goal difference. The recent form of “DWLDL” shows they are capable of taking points, but also that inconsistency remains a problem.

At home, Sassuolo have struggled badly in the league: 2 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats from 10, scoring only 3 goals and conceding 12. Roma, by contrast, have been outstanding travellers: 8 wins, 1 draw and just 1 loss away, with 18 scored and 11 conceded. On paper, it is a meeting between one of the weakest home attacks and one of the strongest away sides in the division.

Tactical outlook: Sassuolo’s dilemma

Across all phases, Sassuolo’s numbers sketch a side that is compact but blunt. They have scored 16 goals in 20 league matches, averaging 0.8 per game. At home that drops to just 0.3 goals per match (3 in 10), a remarkable figure for a team trying to stay clear of danger. Defensively, they concede 1.2 per game at Enzo Ricci, which is not disastrous, but the lack of attacking punch means even a single goal against often proves decisive.

The tactical data suggests a coach still searching for the right balance. Sassuolo have used several systems, with 3-4-1-2 the most common (5 times), followed by 4-3-3 (3), then 4-1-3-2 and 4-1-4-1. The switch between back three and back four hints at a recurring question: reinforce the defence against elite attacks like Roma’s, or add one more body up front to address the chronic goal shortage?

Their “biggest wins” and “biggest losses” underline the volatility: a 1-0 home win and 0-3 away win are the high points, but they have also lost 0-3 at home and 4-0 away. Six clean sheets across all phases (four at home) show they can shut games down, but they have failed to score in 9 of 20 league matches, including 7 of 10 at home. Against Roma’s firepower, they may be forced into a low block and counter-attacking plan, especially given how rarely they outscore opponents in open games.

In attack, Lana Clelland is a crucial reference. The forward has 3 league goals and 1 assist from 14 appearances, with an impressive 12 shots on target from 19 attempts and 9 key passes. Her numbers suggest a player who can generate chances from limited service. If Sassuolo sit deep, Clelland’s ability to hold the ball, draw fouls (11 won) and threaten in transition will be central to any upset hopes.

Discipline could matter too. Sassuolo have accumulated most yellow cards late in games (from 46 minutes onwards), which may reflect fatigue and chasing matches. Against a possession-dominant Roma side, maintaining composure and avoiding late lapses will be vital.

Roma’s structure and superiority

Roma W’s season profile is that of a complete, well-drilled side. Across all phases they average 2.0 goals per game, with 1.8 away from home, while conceding just 1.1 on their travels. They have kept 10 clean sheets (5 away) and have yet to fail to score in a league match, home or away.

Tactically, Roma are far more settled than Sassuolo. They have lined up in 4-3-3 in 8 matches, with 4-1-4-1 and 4-4-2 used more sparingly. That consistency in shape supports a clear identity: a front three supported by a strong midfield core, allowing them to control territory and tempo.

The standout individual is Manuela Giugliano, one of the league’s top performers. From midfield she has 8 goals and 2 assists in 19 appearances, with a strong rating of 7.62. Her shot profile (29 total, 15 on target) and 19 key passes highlight a dual threat: she both finishes and creates. With 396 passes attempted and 68% accuracy, she is heavily involved in Roma’s build-up, and her 3 scored penalties (0 missed) add a reliable set-piece dimension.

Roma’s attack is not built around a single centre-forward; instead, Giugliano’s contributions from midfield complement the forwards in the 4-3-3. Against a Sassuolo side that often drops into a back five when defending in a 3-4-1-2, Roma’s wide players and Giugliano’s late runs into the box are likely to be decisive.

Defensively, Roma’s numbers are robust. They concede 0.8 goals per game at home and 1.1 away, with the “biggest away loss” a 5-2 scoreline that stands out as an exception in an otherwise controlled campaign. Their ability to keep clean sheets away from home (5) suggests they can manage games once ahead, something that could be crucial if they score early at Enzo Ricci.

Roma are also efficient from the spot, with 4 penalties scored from 4 at team level and no misses recorded, dovetailing with Giugliano’s perfect 3/3 personal record.

Head-to-head: Roma dominance

The last five competitive meetings between these sides (league and cups, no friendlies) paint a one-sided picture.

• On 18 January 2026, in Serie A Women (Regular Season - 10) at Stadio Tre Fontane in Rome, Roma W beat Sassuolo W 2-1.
• On 14 September 2025, in the Serie A Cup Women group stage at Stadio Tre Fontane in Rome, Roma W beat Sassuolo W 3-0.
• On 5 March 2025, in the Coppa Italia Women semi-finals at Stadio Tre Fontane in Roma, Roma W beat Sassuolo W 3-0.
• On 15 February 2025, in the Coppa Italia Women semi-finals at Stadio Enzo Ricci in Sassuolo, Roma W beat Sassuolo W 3-1.
• On 24 November 2024, in Serie A Women (Regular Season - 11) at Stadio Enzo Ricci in Sassuolo, Sassuolo W drew 1-1 with Roma W.

Over these five matches, Roma have 4 wins, Sassuolo have 0, and there has been 1 draw. Roma have scored 11 goals in that span, with Sassuolo managing 3.

The verdict

All the data points in the same direction. Roma W are top of the league, prolific in attack, solid in defence, and consistent in their tactical setup. Sassuolo W are near the bottom, extremely goal-shy at home and tactically unsettled.

For Sassuolo to take anything, they will likely need a disciplined, low-scoring match built on defensive organisation, heavy work from their wing-backs, and moments of quality from Lana Clelland on the break. Their record of 4 home clean sheets shows it is possible, but the fact they have scored only 3 home goals makes the margin for error microscopic.

Roma, with Manuela Giugliano orchestrating from midfield and a 4-3-3 that has delivered 8 away wins, should be confident of creating enough chances to break Sassuolo down. Their unbeaten away scoring record and dominance in recent head-to-heads reinforce that expectation.

On balance, Roma W look strong favourites to extend their lead at the top, while Sassuolo W face a stern test simply to keep the contest alive into the final stages.