Sassuolo earn shock win over champions Inter to boost survival hopes

Sassuolo secured one of the shocks of the season as the Serie A strugglers once again defeated Inter Milan to end the newly-crowned champions’ long unbeaten run and bolster their own survival hopes courtesy of a 1-0 triumph at the Mapei Stadium.

Davide Ballardini’s Neroverdi became the only side to beat The Nerazzurri in Serie A way back in September and they put themselves on the path to a repeat when Armand Lauriente drilled in Josh Doig’s pass from the left on 20 minutes.

Inter, who made several changes to their starting XI, almost levelled when Denzel Dumfries dragged inches wide of the far post and their frustration intensified on the stroke of half-time when Lautaro Martinez’s poacher’s goal was chalked off for offside following a VAR review.

The pattern continued after the break with Sassuolo’s belief growing and the visitors struggling to create much of note despite bossing the majority of the possession.

The result sees Sassuolo secure an unlikely double over the champions with the boast of being the only team to defeat Inter in Serie A this season. More importantly it gives The Neroverdi real hope of beating the drop as they remain 19th but move to within two points of safety.

Next up, Inter – who saw a 28-match unbeaten run in the league come to an end – visit Frosinone on Friday while Sassuolo are at Genoa a week on Sunday.

This was always a big-ask for Sassuolo – but they delivered to live up to the suggestion they are a bogey side for Inter.

The Neroverdi have been in dreadful form in 2024 but now have three games left to save their top-flight status with a trip to mid-table Genoa followed by a home clash with fellow battlers Cagliari and an away match at Europe-chasing Lazio. It looks like being a tall order on paper with that 10-year Serie A stay under major threat – but this result could well act as the perfect springboard to something special.

For Inter, it is a minor irritation given the incredible campaign they have put together. They can no longer amass 100 points but remain in with a chance of surpassing the club record of 97 points set back in 2007. Whether that is a significant objective of the players and manager remains to be seen.

The 25-year-old French winger capped a lively display with a superbly taken goal. He led the attack tirelessly throughout a hard-fought encounter and his upsurge in form of late could well be key if his team are to pull off the great escape down at the bottom.

SASSUOLO: Consigli 8, Erlic 8, Ferrari 8, Kumbulla 8, Toljan 8, Lipani 8, Henrique 8, Thorstvedt 8, Doig 8, Lauriente 9, Pinamonti 8. Subs: Boloca 6, Obiang 6, Missori n/a, Racic n/a.

INTER MILAN: Audero 7, Pavard 7, De Vrij 6, Bastoni 6, Dumfries 7, Frattesi 7, Asllani 7, Mkhitaryan 6, Augusto 6, Martinez 6, Sanchez 6. Subs: Cuadrado 6, Arnautovic 6, Buchanan 6, Barella 6, Klaassen 6.

20’ – GOAL! – Sassuolo 1-0 Inter Milan: (Lauriente). Doig wins the ball deep inside Inter territory and lays it back from the left for Armand Laurienté to rifle a stunning first-time shot beyond the keeper.

26’ – INTER MILAN CHANCE! Dumfries bobbles a shot wide of the far post after his purposeful run into the right side of the box was found by a delicious pass from Asllani.

45′ – INTER MILAN GOAL CHALKED OFF! Martinez volleys home at the back post after Carlos Augusto’s miss-hit shot deflected his way. The officials gave the goal, but VAR checks for offside and it’s is eventually ruled out.