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Sassuolo logo
Serie A
May 17, 2015 at 11.30am UK
 
Milan logo

3-2

Berardi (14', 31', 77')
FT(HT: 2-1)
Bonaventura (33'), Alex (51')

Preview: Sassuolo vs. AC Milan

Sports Mole looks ahead to this weekend's Serie A match between Sassuolo and AC Milan.

AC Milan will be hoping to claim back-to-back victories when they meet Sassuolo in their Serie A clash this weekend.

The Rossoneri claimed a morale-boosting win over Roma in their last match, while their opponents beat Cesena to secure their place in the top flight.



Sassuolo

Eusebio Di Francesco head coach of US Sassuolo Calcio reacts during the Serie A match between AC Chievo Verona and US Sassuolo Calcio on April 19, 2014© Getty Images

Sassuolo have once again exceeded expectations and last weekend they made sure of their place in Serie A for the third consecutive season.

They were two goals down at half time against Cesena, but they came storming back after the break to claim a 3-2 victory which has guaranteed their survival and relegated their opponents in the process.

It was a crucial win and ended a five-match winless run in the league that had seen them drop ever closer to the relegation zone, after spending much of the season safely in mid-table.

The Neroverdi may have suffered a dip in form since the turn of the year, with just four wins from their previous 18 league games, but they have proven that they deserve to be in the top flight.

They have taken points from some of the biggest teams in the league, with memorable victories over both of the Milan giants and impressive draws against Juventus and Roma.

Eusebio Di Francesco's side may not be the most solid at the back, but they possess some of the most exciting young players in the league, with forward duo Simone Zaza and Domenico Berardi scoring 20 goals between them this season.

Recent form: LDLLDW



Milan

Head coach of Milan Filippo Inzaghi gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and AC Chievo Verona at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 4, 2014© Getty Images

Milan's troubles this season have been well documented, but last weekend they achieved their best result of the campaign by recording a 2-1 victory over Champions League chasing Roma.

Few had expected them to claim three points against the Giallorossi and they had gone into the match without a win from their previous five Serie A matches.

However, Marco van Ginkel and Mattia Destro gave them a two-goal lead and after Francesco Totti pulled one back for the visitors late on they withstood a barrage of late pressure to end their barren run.

The result has done little to their place in the league table, as they are still 10th and too far away from earning a spot in Europe, but it has at least lifted some of the gloom.

While the players will be looking to finish the season as strongly as possible on the pitch, there is still major uncertainty over Filippo Inzaghi's future as manager, while discussions over a potential takeover are ongoing.

Whatever happens to the club during the summer, there is a desperate need for investment to a team that have failed to challenge for domestic honours once again and look miles away from regaining their place as one of the biggest teams in world football.

Recent form: DDLLLW



Team News

Nicola Sansone of Sassuolo scores the goal 2-1 during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Parma FC at Mapei Stadium on March 15, 2015© Getty Images

Matteo Brighi is available for Sassuolo after missing last weekend's match at Cesena through suspension.

However, there are doubts surrounding the fitness of both Marcello Gazzola and Emanuele Terranova.

Di Francesco could be tempted to stick with the same starting lineup, which would see Zaza, Berardi and Nicola Sansone link up in a front three.

Milan are without Jeremy Menez, who is banned until their final game of the season against Atalanta BC.

They are also without the suspended Alex and Mattia De Sciglio will have to sit the game out with an ankle injury.

Luca Antonelli is also doubtful and if he is unable to play then Salvatore Bocchetti will fill in at left-back.

Sassuolo possible starting lineup:
Consigli, Vrsaljko, Cannavaro, Acerbi, Peluso, Biondini, Missiroli, Taider, Sansone, Berardi, Zaza

Milan possible starting lineup:
Lopez, Abate, Mexes, Paletta, Bocchetti, Poli, De Jong, Van Ginkel, Honda, Bonaventura, Destro



Head To Head

Sassuolo claimed a memorable 2-1 victory over Milan when these teams met in Serie A earlier this season.

However, a few days later the Rossoneri knocked their opponents out of the Coppa Italia with a 2-1 win of their own, thanks to a late goal from Nigel de Jong.

There was a remarkable game between the two clubs last season, as Berardi scored four goals to help Sassuolo to a shock 4-3 victory.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Sassuolo 2-2 Milan

Milan have endured a frustrating season, but they will come into the match full of confidence after their victory over Roma. Sassuolo will also have been boosted by their comeback win over Cesena, so it is set up to be an intriguing encounter. There are usually goals and plenty of excitement whenever these teams meet and we expect that to continue this weekend, with the match ending in a high-scoring draw.



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Written by
Alex Meyers
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