Roma Claim Serie A Lead Before Milan Derby

On Sunday, Roma rose to the summit of Serie A following a 3-1 triumph over Cremonese away from home, establishing a two-point edge over Napoli in anticipation of the Milan derby.

Goals by Matias Soule, Evan Ferguson, and Wesley secured the vital three points for Roma in Cremona, sustaining their robust opening phase under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini.

Should Inter Milan overcome their crosstown opponents AC Milan in the featured encounter at the San Siro later that Sunday, they would regain the top position through superior goal difference.

Having managed just 12 goals across their earlier 11 league outings, Roma displayed sharp finishing at the Stadio Giovanni Zini, placing them in contention for their inaugural title since 2001.

"I mentioned yesterday that it is fitting to harbour dreams from such standings, although ultimately those dreams seldom materialise," remarked Gasperini.

"Our aim is to prolong this dream for a bit more time."

Soule delivered Roma's initial strike with a curling effort in the 17th minute, moments after Cremonese attacker Federico Bonazzoli prompted an impressive save from Mile Svilar.

A contest that had remained balanced soon tilted decisively with rapid goals from Brighton loanee Ferguson, marking his first for the club in more than a year, and Wesley.

Ferguson slotted the ball neatly into the net in the 64th minute following a scramble in the Cremonese penalty area, and soon after, Brazilian defender Wesley capped a swift breakaway by chipping a superb shot over Emil Audero.

Before Roma solidified their advantage, defender Gianluca Mancini avoided conceding a spot-kick around the half-hour mark when a VAR review overturned the handball call against him.

Gasperini, furious over the original penalty decision involving Mancini, received a red card for continued protesting just prior to Ferguson's goal that extended Roma's lead.

As a result, Gasperini will be absent for Roma's critical matchup against title holders Napoli at home the following weekend.

Gasperini celebrated wildly from the sidelines after Ferguson's strike ended a personal scoring drought for the club that dated back to last October.

The 21-year-old began on the substitutes' bench, and with Paulo Dybala and Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk out due to injuries, the Irish player's contribution offers a significant boost to Roma.

"I am pleased for Ferguson, who had endured a lengthy wait for that goal, but it proved crucial for the team as it made our lead more secure. Once he netted, we felt confident of victory," Gasperini added.

Francesco Folino grabbed a late consolation for newly promoted Cremonese, who occupy 12th place following their fourth loss of the campaign.