A brilliant end to the season for the Neroverdi as they finish the season in sixth and can dream of a Europa League spot if everything goes there way, and Juventus complete the double over Milan.
Sassuolo went into this season like any other, targeting survival as soon as possible and then letting the rest happen as it would. The neroverdi have been the surprise package of the season, as they have utilized a strong mix of youth and a strong Italian contingent to play brilliant football and drive their European dreams. The club managed to retain star player Domenico Berardi from Juventus and he again helped to inspire them to a strong finish. They started the season strongly with a win over Napoli in their opening fixture, and also included a shock win over Champions Juventus. They finished their season as strongly as they started by convincingly beating Inter 3-1.
Season Summary:
Serie A: 6th place.
Coppa Italia: Fourth round knockout to Cagliari
Since their first ever season in Serie A in 2013/14, in which they barely avoided relegation, Sassuolo managed to finish more comfortably at the second time of asking sealing a mid-table finish. 2015/16 seems to be the year of the minnows as Sassuolo have seemingly become as established side in the top flight, becoming a club that can compete with many of the big boys in Serie A.
The biggest indicator of their improvement has been cementing their strength at home. They have managed to establish their Mapei Stadium as one of the most formidable fortresses in Italy, succumbing to only three losses at home, and conversely recovering a league high of 12 points from losing positions. Sassuolo also managed to grind out results away from home, meaning they were just as difficult a task away. They amassed eight wins on the road, beating the likes of Inter, Lazio and Torino along the way.
Eusebio Di Francesco tactics and man management has allowed them to pick up points seemingly at will this campaign. The Neroverdi coach has brought together a good mixture of players who focus on a clever possession based game which has gradually been implemented by Di Francesco over his four year tenure at the club, resulting in the 4th best defence in Serie A.
Player of the season – Domenico Berardi
Despite Sassuolo not needing to score a plethora of goals to get points this campaign, the extremely talented Berardi has continuously impressed, showing his amazing 2014/15 season was not merely a flash in the pan.
The 21 year old has definitely been the Neroverdi’s most influential playmaker this season, amassing seven goals, assisting in creating six more all within 30 games.
Berardi has thus displayed his vaunted versatility up front, which all things considered has the potential for the youngster to become an extremely valuable asset for not only one of the Italy’s top clubs but also the national team in the future.
Signing of the season – Lorenzo Pellegrini
Sassuolo only acquired four players in the summer, which therefore makes it slightly more difficult to select one signing of the season as a good proportion of the squad is similar. One youngster who has certainly made a name for himself and established himself as star of the future is Lorenzo Pellegrini, who cost €1.25 million, and is only 19.
Purchased from Roma, he has slowly crept into the first team squad scoring important goals and delivering points when needed. Amassing 20 appearances and 4 goals in total including an important goal against Inter in the final stages of the season.
Final Word –
Overall, Sassuolo have had an amazing season and quite the improvement. Finishing in sixth with 61 points is no mean feat and just shows how good player recruitment as well as management of the team has been. Not only that they display the ability to beat any side on their day. Europa League qualification is not entirely a given – Sassuolo require Juventus to beat Milan in the Coppa Italia final to ensure their place. From all reports the town is backing Juventus for the win and seemingly so is everybody else.
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