Sassuolo pulled off a major upset by defeating newly-crowned Serie A champions Inter Milan 1-0 in a crucial match for their survival hopes. The only goal of the game came from Armand Lauriente, who received a pass from Josh Doig and fired a stunning shot past the goalkeeper. Inter had a chance to equalize when Denzel Dumfries missed narrowly, and a goal by Lautaro Martinez was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Despite dominating possession, Inter struggled to create clear chances, and Sassuolo’s victory ensured they became the only team to beat Inter in the league this season.
The win for Sassuolo gives them hope of avoiding relegation as they remain in 19th place but are now just two points away from safety. With three games left in the season, including matches against mid-table Genoa, fellow strugglers Cagliari, and Europe-chasing Lazio, Sassuolo will need to build on this victory to secure their Serie A status. For Inter, the loss ended a 28-match unbeaten run in the league but is seen as a minor setback in what has otherwise been an outstanding campaign. They have the chance to surpass their club record of 97 points set in 2007, although it remains to be seen if that is a significant goal for the players and manager.
Armand Lauriente was named the Player of the Match for his superb performance, which included scoring the decisive goal and leading the attack tirelessly throughout the game. The 25-year-old French winger’s recent upsurge in form could prove crucial in Sassuolo’s bid for survival in the top flight. The player ratings for both teams reflected Sassuolo’s solid performance, with Lauriente receiving a rating of 9 for his standout display. Inter Milan’s ratings were lower, reflecting their inability to break down Sassuolo’s defense and create clear chances.
The match highlights included Lauriente’s goal in the 20th minute, as well as Dumfries’ missed opportunity for Inter. Martinez also had a goal disallowed for offside following a VAR review, adding to Inter’s frustration in their quest for an equalizer. Despite holding the majority of possession, Inter were unable to convert their dominance into goals, allowing Sassuolo to secure a vital victory. The result was seen as a significant achievement for Sassuolo, who have struggled for form in 2024 but have now shown that they can compete with the best teams in Serie A.
As Sassuolo look ahead to their remaining fixtures, including matches against Genoa, Cagliari, and Lazio, their survival in Serie A hangs in the balance. The win over Inter Milan could serve as a turning point for the team as they fight to secure their place in the top flight. For Inter, the loss was a minor setback in an otherwise impressive season, and they will aim to finish strongly in their remaining games. The match highlighted Sassuolo’s ability to compete with top teams and provided a glimmer of hope for their survival hopes, while also showcasing the quality of the Serie A competition.
