Sassuolo vs Crotone
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 16 October 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Città del Tricolore (Reggio Emilia).


Sassuolo will be looking to rebound against a Crotone side who are already looking set for a return to Serie B.

The Neroverdi, who are in their third term in the top tier, have not found things as easy as they would have liked. Thanks to their impressive sixth placed finish last season, Eusebio Di Francesco’s squad – who only made their Serie A debut in 2013 – are featuring in the Europa League for the first time in their entire history.

But has featuring on two fronts already started to wear on the plucky Neroverdi? Well, that remains to be seen, but they ended up losing both in Europe and in Serie A before the international hiatus, including a narrow defeat to AC Milan in a seven-goal thriller. That being said, despite their poor away form this season, Sassuolo have been quite solid at home.

Yes, there is that loss to Pescara. But in all fairness, Sassuolo didn’t “actually” lose that game, as it ended as a 2-1 result. However, a clerical error saw that reversed and a 3-0 win awarded to the Delfini, which, to date, still happens to be their only “victory” this term. Other from that minor blip, Di Francesco’s side have been excellent at home, and will have a good chance to pick up a much-needed win against a team yet to win a game this season.

Crotone, unfortunately, look set for a long and miserable debut season. Interestingly enough, they’re in the same place Sassuolo were just three years ago, and the Neroverdi managed to scrape by to avoid the drop by finishing in 17th. As to whether Crotone will be able to achieve the same remains to be seen, but just one point from seven games is not promising reading.

Sassuolo vs Crotone Head-to-head statistics

  • Crotone have failed to win their first seven matches.
  • They have conceded at least two goals in five out of their last six Serie A matches.
  • Sassuolo have won their past five home league games.
  • Crotone have been losing at HT and FT in their past three matches.

Sassuolo vs Crotone: Prediction

Sassuolo come into this match with a crop of players injured, including Domenico Berardi, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Alfred Duncan and Simone Missiroli. Crotone, by contrast have a full strength squad. Normally, that would be enough to help any team have a big advantage. Unfortunately for the visitors, it’s not expected to make much difference.

The Neroverdi should be able to bounce back after their 4-3 loss to Milan here and look forward to their upcoming European responsibilities this week.


Sassuolo vs Crotone: Betting tips

  • Sassuolo to lead at HT and FT at 6/5 (2.20)
  • Under 2.5 goals at evens
  • Both teams to score – NO at 10/11 (1.91).