Sassuolo 1 - 0 Inter

Even in the most triumphant of seasons, there are matches that don’t go to plan. For the first time in over seven months, Inter have lost again in the league. And for the very first time during this Scudetto-winning campaign, Inzaghi’s men have failed to find the net, leading to their first Serie A defeat on the road in 2023/24. It was an away match that was different from usual: the MAPEI Stadium was almost entirely filled with Nerazzurri fans. Because the bond between Inter and its fans is unique and special, even more so after the magical Scudetto party last week. And that is why the Champions of Italy were applauded off the pitch by the Nerazzurri faithful this evening, even after a frustrating night where Laurienté’s first-half finish ended up winning the game for Sassuolo.

Inter fought hard, with Asllani and Sanchez looking to knit play together and create danger. Meanwhile, Bastoni, Pavard and Carlos Augusto pushed forward and also did their bit in defence. On the stroke of half-time, the Inter fans exploded with joy as Lautaro found the net, but it was ruled out for offside. After the restart, those who came on brought fresh energy, but Arnautovic was denied by a fantastic last-ditch challenge from Kumbulla, who, along with the entire Neroverdi backline, performed excellently for the hosts. Sassuolo sat deep and dug in to come away with three points after a highly organised display. As for the Nerazzurri, following their first loss since September, they will try to bounce back against Frosinone.

SASSUOLO 1-0 INTER

Goalscorer: 21' Laurienté (S).

SASSUOLO (5-3-2): 47 Consigli; 22 Toljan (2 Missori 87'), 5 Erlic, 19 Kumbulla, 13 Ferrari, 43 Doig; 7 Henrique (6 Racic 87'), 35 Lipani (14 Obiang 70'), 42 Thorstvedt (24 Boloca 60'); 45 Laurienté, 9 Pinamonti. Substitutes: 25 Pegolo, 28 Cragno, 3 Pedersen, 8 Mulattieri, 11 Bajrami, 15 Ceide, 21 Viti, 23 Volpato. Head Coach: Davide Ballardini. INTER (3-5-2): 77 Audero; 28 Pavard, 6 De Vrij, 95 Bastoni (17 Buchanan 69'); 2 Dumfries (7 Cuadrado 60'), 16 Frattesi (23 Barella 69'), 21 Asllani (14 Klaassen 74'), 22 Mkhitaryan (8 Arnautovic 60'), 30 Carlos Augusto; 70 Sanchez, 10 Lautaro. Substitutes: 1 Sommer, 12 Di Gennaro, 5 Sensi, 9 Thuram, 20 Calhanoglu, 31 Bisseck, 32 Dimarco, 36 Darmian. Head Coach: Simone Inzaghi.

Booked: Pavard (I), Boloca (S).

Added time: 4' - 4' Referee: Marchetti. Assistants: Galetto, Fontemurato. Fourth official: Perenzoni. VAR: Valeri. VAR assistant: Serra.