Simone Zaza struck twice in the space of three first-half minutes to hand Sassuolo a 2-0 lead over Roma at the break of their Serie A match.

The 23-year-old fired in-form Sassuolo ahead after just 16 minutes with a calm finish inside the area.

Two minutes later, the Italy international made it 2-0 with a thumping strike into the roof of the net from close range, as the home side looked stunned by Sassuolo's quick start.

Adam Ljajic then had two chances to half the deficit, but the winger headed wide before his second effort was saved by Andrea Consigli after a mazy run.

Sassuolo began to drop further and further into their own half, and Jose Holebas was denied by another fine Consigli save, while Mattia Destro fired a header wide of the target from a promising position as Roma applied pressure prior to the break.