Rome: Mattia Destro's early goal was key and Roma were fortunate when a penalty kick for relegation-threatened Sassuolo were waved off in a 2-0 win on Sunday in the Serie A lunchtime fixture.
Roma's fourth consecutive victory moved the Giallorossi within 11 points of Italian league leader Juventus, who were visiting third-place Napoli later. Roma also provisionally distanced themself from Napoli by nine points in the race for second and the last direct Champions League entry.
Destro had an easy time finding the target from the center of the area in the 16th minute after getting set up by Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan, who stripped the ball from a defender just outside the area.
Competing for a spot on Italy's World Cup squad, it was the fourth consecutive match in which Destro scored, and it was his 10th goal since beginning his injury-delayed season in December.
Sassuolo thought they had a chance to equalise in the 35th when referee Nicola Rizzoli - Italy's World Cup representative - appeared to change his mind several times before denying the hosts a penalty for minor contact between Roma defender Mehdi Benatia and Nicola Sansone.
Roma substitute Michel Bastos sealed the result with a goal six minutes into added time after getting set up by Roma's 37-year-old captain Francesco Totti, who replaced Destro in the 79th.
Playing their premier season in the top division, Sassuolo remained one point above last-place Catania, who visit Udinese on Monday.
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