Sassuolo scored important points against Inter. © ANSA / ELISABETTA BARACCHI

Sassuolo defeats a sleepy champion

Sassuolo achieved a surprise win with a 1-0 win against Inter on Saturday evening and took three points, which they sorely need in the relegation battle.

04 Maj 2024

From: do

The balance of power in the encounter between Inter and Sassuolo was actually clear: one club has been confirmed as Serie A champion for several match days, the other is fighting for survival in the bottom of the table. One difference that made a big difference, however, was that the Neroverdi were still playing for something, namely staying in the Italian league. This is one of the reasons why Sassuolo took on the giants from Milan with all their might and successfully defended a 1-0 lead with all their might.

It wasn't like Inter took a stroll on Saturday evening. This is demonstrated, for example, by the ball possession statistics, which clearly went to the Modestadt team at 75:25. Nevertheless, Simone Inzaghi's men took it easy, especially on offense. They definitely lacked the necessary doggedness and cold-bloodedness in front of the opponent's goal. This was particularly evident in the first half at Sassuolo, who took a 20-1 lead through Armand Laurient in the 0th minute. The Frenchman converted a pass into the penalty area under the crossbar.

Sassuolo defended with everything it had. © ANSA / ELISABETTA BARACCHI

The Neroverdi then threw themselves into every shot at halftime, closed the spaces at the back and literally walled up their box with bricks. Inter pressed, but the ball simply wouldn't cross the line for the champions. Shortly before the end, Marko Arnautovic, for example, narrowly failed to equalize - it was like magic. It remained 1-0 and Sassuolo were able to celebrate three important points.

Serie A Saturday, 35th matchday

Monza – Lazio 2:2
Goals: 0:1 Immobile (11th), 1:1 Djuric (75th), 1:2 Vecino (83rd), 2:2 Djuric (90+2nd)

Sassuolo – Inter 1:0
Goals: 1-0 Lauriente (20th)