Sin Mourinho, Roma cae 4-3 before Sassuolo

MILAN (AP) — Without coach José Mourinho on the bench, Roma stumbled 4-3 at home to Sassuolo on Sunday in a disastrous weekend for Italian Serie A clubs vying for League of Nations spots. champions.

Armand Laurienté netted a brace for Sassuolo but Nicola Zalewski netted for the hosts. But Romanista defender Marash Kumbulla shortly before the break and Domenico Berardi converted the penalty that was called.

Argentina striker Paulo Dybala put Roma in the game with his goal early in the second half, but Andrea Pinamonti condemned 15 minutes from time. Georginio Wijnaldum updated at the end.

Roma are still level on points with Milan. The Rossoneri will receive Salernitana on Monday to try to capitalize on the setbacks of their rivals.

Third-placed Lazio were two points clear of Roma and Milan after their draw in Bologna on Saturday. Inter sit second, one point above Lazio, after an upset loss at Spezia on Friday.

Roma will face Lazio on Friday. Mourinho will also not be able to be on the bench after serving a two-game suspension.

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Hellas Verona can thank VAR for the draw they saved at home against Monza. Stefano Sensi scored for the visitors in the 55th after Simone Verdi opened the scoring four minutes earlier.

Monza thought they would turn things around when on-loan Verona player Gianluca Caprari scored in the 60th minute, but it was disallowed due to a tight offside position.

Verona are five points behind Spezia, 17th.

Meanwhile, bottom side Cremonese were 12 points from safety after losing 2-0 at home to Fiorentina. And Torino beat Lecce 2-0 at home.