MATCH PREVIEW
Serie A Week 26 – 26 Feb 2017 (14.00 UK)
Sassuolo – Milan
Mapei Stadium


Sassuolo vs AC Milan Preview and Prediction

Milan are stuttering along in recent weeks and face their bête noir – Sassuolo and Domenico Berardi.

At the start of the season it could have been argued that both Sassuolo and Milan would be competing for a place in Europe, but as the clash approaches the two teams aren’t exactly living up to their own ambitions.

Sassuolo’s indifferent start to the season set them back a few paces from some of the sides they felt they should’ve been chasing, whilst Vincenzo Montella’s Milan reached as high as third at one point before a slump in form after the winter break.

Since the return of Berardi from a lengthy injury lay-off, Sassuolo have only lost twice in six Serie A games, drawing once, and it seemed to spark Eusebio Di Francesco’s side back into life. Since the return of the winger, the Neroverdi have escaped from what was potentially a relegation scrap to mid-table security.

For this game, however, Sassuolo will be feeling that a win could be on the cards, given the slight injury crisis suffered by Milan. The visitors are still without key players such as Alessio Romagnoli (muscle injury), Mattia De Sciglio (ankle), Luca Antonelli (muscular) and of course Giacomo Bonaventura (hamstring).

Sassuolo have had a full treatment room all term with Pol Lirola, Davide Biondini (Achilles tendon) and Francesco Magnanelli, who unfortunately suffered a cruciate ligament injury earlier in the season.


As for the visitors, they find themselves under a bit of pressure given their recent slump in form. Various reports around Italy have suggested that Silvio Berlusconi and Montella may have a bit of tension surrounding recent results. It was even suggested the departing President had been ready to sack the Italian, had it not been for Chinese intervention.

On the pitch, however, two wins and a draw in their last three has at least kept the Rossoneri within touching distance of the Europa League places, but this game on Sunday is must-win if they are to battle with Atalanta, Lazio and fierce rivals Inter for a spot in Europe next season.

At the very least the neutrals ought to be entertained, as in October these teams bestowed us a spectacular 4-3 thriller at San Siro.


Keep an eye on: Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo) – Certainly no stranger to Milan, having scored a remarkable eight goals past them in just seven meetings. That included four in a 4-3 victory here in January 2014 and a hat-trick in 2015.

Form Guide: Sassuolo (W L W L W) Milan (W D W L L)

Last Season: Sassuolo 2-0 Milan

Stat Fact: These teams have never shared the spoils, as between Serie A and the Coppa Italia they’ve had four victories each. The Rossoneri lost all three trips to the Mapei Stadium.

Top Tip: Over 2.5 Goals, as only once in their eight encounters have they dropped below that threshold.

Sassuolo (probable): Consigli; Gazzola, Cannavaro, Acerbi, Peluso; Pellegrini, Aquilani, Duncan; Berardi, Matri, Politano

Suspended: None

Milan (probable): Donnarumma; Abate, Paletta, Gomez, Vangioni; Kucka, Sosa, Bertolacci; Suso, Bacca, Deulofeu

Suspended: None