Ryder Cup takeaways: Europe's stars lead from front as Cantlay revels in villain role

After three enthralling days of golf in Rome, Europe reclaimed the Ryder Cup in emphatic style. Sunday's singles may, at one stage, have provided some tension, but ultimately the 16½ to 11½ victory demonstrated the hosts' overall dominance.

Here are the main takeaways from the 44th edition of the Ryder Cup.

Two years ago at Whistling Straits, the US delivered the most lop-sided beatdown in Ryder Cup history. Such was the manner of victory and strength in depth the US possessed, it led to suggestions that it could mark a decade of dominance. Yet, there was one key ingredient in Europe's control that would improve their chances in Rome: getting their top players in form.

Jon Rahm aside, no Europeans performed anywhere near their best in Wisconsin, but from the moment Viktor Hovland chipped in to win his first hole of the Friday morning foursomes, it was clear Europe's top stars were in the mood to take it to the Americans.

World No 4 Hovland, a rookie two years ago but FedEx Cup champion and arguably the best player in the world now, revelled in his newfound leadership role, claiming three-and-a-half points from a possible five including an all-time foursomes thrashing. Third-ranked Rahm went unbeaten and led from the front in Sunday's singles to grind out a half-point against Scottie Scheffler; and world No 2 Rory McIlroy delivered his best Ryder Cup return of four points, two years on from breaking down in tears.

Even outside Europe's Big Three, there were leadership performances throughout the team. Justin Rose, the veteran of the side, was superb in marshalling rookie Robert MacIntyre throughout their two fourballs matches; Tyrrell Hatton was sensational to claim three-and-a-half points from four; and Tommy Fleetwood