Sassuolo vs AC Milan
Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 26 February 2017
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: MAPEI Stadium (Reggio nell’Emilia).
Sassuolo have won four out of their last six games, which has seen them slowly working their way up the table. They will next take on AC Milan, who themselves have rebounded after a rough start.
The Rossoneri come into this game having secured a hard-fought win over Fiorentina and it helped to really boost the players’ morale as they have closed the gap on the last Europa League spot to four points.
And with Atalanta, Napoli, Inter, and Roma all facing each other this weekend, the Diavolo will be seeing some of those teams drop points, so Vincenzo Montella’s side will be eager to take advantage of any slip-ups to start making a push for a Europa League berth.
Milan once were in contention for a Champions League spot, but a mid-season stumble has cost them a chance to compete for a top three berth. However, considering that they have not featured in European competition for three years, even the Europa League will be a big achievement.
Meanwhile, Sassuolo managed to pip Milan to Europa League football last term, but things have not gone well for Eusebio Di Francesco’s side. They started their debut Europa League campaign off well, but things quickly went awry. The Neroverdi crashed out at the group stage, but since recovering some of their injured players, namely star striker Domenico Berardi, things have picked up.
Sassuolo have managed to frustrate Milan time and time again, ever since beating them 4-3 back in January 2014. They come into this game hoping to continue that record as they meet up yet again on Sunday afternoon.
Sassuolo vs AC Milan: Head-to-head statistics
Sassuolo have a record of W5-D5-L10 in their last 20 home games against teams ranked above them in the table.
Milan have a record of W9-D5-L6 in their last 20 away games against teams ranked below them in the table.
The Neroverdi have won 12 points against AC Milan in Serie A, only against Genoa (13) do they boast a better record in the top-flight.
Sassuolo haven’t recorded a draw in their last six league fixtures (W4 L2) – their previous four wins had arrived over 18 games.
Milan are one of two teams (along with Empoli) against which Sassuolo have a 100% record at home in Serie A amongst those met more than twice so far.
Seven out of the last eight meetings between Sassuolo and Milan have finished with at least one team scoring.
Sassuolo vs AC Milan: Predictions
This could be an open-ended game. The Neroverdi have conceded in 10 of their last 12 home games in all competitions, whilst they have found the net in six of their last seven games. Meanwhile Milan are dealing with an injury in defense, and have seen both teams score in seven of their last nine matches.
The Rossoneri have earned seven points from their last three games, which includes the win over Fiorentina and a draw against Lazio. But given that Sassuolo have been Milan’s bogey side, the Diavolo will want to be very careful here.
Sassuolo vs AC Milan: Betting tips
BTTS – YES at 4/6 (1.67)
Double Chance – Sassuolo WIN or DRAW at 11/20 (1.85).
