Sassuolo Calcio, the modest club from Emilia-Romagna, has become a familiar name in Serie A over the past decade. Known for their attacking style and player development, they’ve established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
However, the 2023/24 season has presented a different story. Currently sitting in 19th place, Sassuolo finds themselves embroiled in a relegation battle, a situation far from ideal for a team accustomed to mid-table finishes.
This article delves into Sassuolo’s current standings, exploring the factors that have led to their struggles and analyzing their chances of avoiding relegation.
Where it All Stands: Sassuolo in 19th
As of July 7th, 2024, Sassuolo occupies the dreaded 19th position in the Serie A table with 30 points from 38 matches. This translates to a record of six wins, twelve draws, and twenty losses. While they’re only six points adrift of safety (currently occupied by Cagliari at 16th), the precariousness of their situation is undeniable.
Here’s a breakdown of the relegation zone:
Position | Club | Points |
16 | Cagliari | 36 |
17 | Empoli | 36 |
18 | Frosinone | 35 |
19 | Sassuolo | 30 |
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The remaining fixtures for Sassuolo include clashes against sides like Atalanta and Inter Milan. These are daunting matchups, and Sassuolo will need to pull off some unexpected victories to secure their Serie A status.
Factors Behind the Struggle: What’s Gone Wrong for Sassuolo?
Several factors have contributed to Sassuolo’s current predicament. Here’s a closer look at some of the key issues:
Loss of Key Players: Sassuolo has a reputation for developing young talent and then selling them for significant profits. This season, however, they saw the departures of crucial players like Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta) and Jeremie Boga (AC Milan). These departures left a significant void in attack, a department that was already Sassuolo’s biggest strength.
Inconsistent Form: Throughout the season, Sassuolo has displayed a worrying inconsistency. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, like their thrilling 3-2 win over Juventus, but these moments have been overshadowed by a string of disappointing defeats. This unpredictable form makes it difficult for them to build momentum and climb the table.
Defensive Woes: While Sassuolo’s attacking prowess is well-documented, their defence has been a major concern. They’ve conceded the second-highest number of goals in Serie A (75), a significant factor in their struggles. Injuries to key defenders like Gian Marco Ferrari haven’t helped either.
Managerial Change: In an attempt to spark a turnaround, Sassuolo replaced manager Alessio Dionisi with Roberto De Zerbi in February 2024. While De Zerbi is known for his attacking philosophy, it hasn’t yet translated into positive results. The team is still adapting to his tactics, and time is running out.
A Glimmer of Hope: Can Sassuolo Avoid Relegation?
Despite the challenges, all hope is not lost for Sassuolo. Here are some reasons why they might still escape the drop:
Remaining Fixtures: While some of their remaining matches are against top teams, there are also some winnable games on the horizon. If they can capitalize on these opportunities and pull off some upsets, they could climb the table quickly.
Squad Depth: Despite player departures, Sassuolo still possesses a talented squad. Young attackers like Andrea Pinamonti and Domenico Berardi continue to impress, and the return of injured players could bolster their defence.
Experience: Several players in the Sassuolo squad have experience in relegation battles. This experience could prove crucial in the coming weeks as they navigate the pressure of the situation.
The upcoming matches will be a defining period for Sassuolo. A string of positive results could propel them out of the relegation zone, while a series of defeats could seal their fate. It promises to be a tense and nail-biting conclusion to the Serie A season.
Beyond the Standings: The Future of Sassuolo
Regardless of the outcome this season, Sassuolo’s long-term future appears bright. Their commitment to youth development has created a solid foundation, and their attractive style of play continues to draw talented players.
Factors Behind the Struggle
Several factors have contributed to Sassuolo’s challenging season:
Loss of Key Players: The departure of influential players like Jeremie Boga and Gianluca Scamacca in the previous transfer window left a significant void in attack. These players were instrumental in Sassuolo’s recent success, and their replacements haven’t quite filled the gap.
Managerial Change: Head coach Alessio Dionisi, who led Sassuolo to an impressive eighth-place finish in 2022-23, departed for a new challenge. His replacement, Roberto De Zerbi, has implemented a different style of play, and the team has taken time to adapt.
Injuries: Key players like Domenico Berardi and Armand Lauriente have missed significant time due to injuries, further disrupting the team’s rhythm and attacking prowess.
Tough Schedule: Sassuolo faced a challenging fixture list early in the season, playing against several top teams. This put them on the back foot early and made it difficult to build momentum.
Looking Ahead: The Fight for Survival
The upcoming matches are crucial for Sassuolo. They need to win against teams in a similar relegation battle and avoid defeat against stronger opponents.
Here are some key factors that will determine their fate:
Maintaining Focus and Avoiding Complacency: Every remaining match is a cup final for Sassuolo. They need to maintain their focus and avoid complacency against teams below them in the table.
Getting Key Players Back from Injury: The return of Domenico Berardi and Armand Lauriente would provide a significant boost to Sassuolo’s attacking capabilities. Their experience and goal-scoring prowess could be crucial in the final stretch.
Adapting to De Zerbi’s System: If the players fully grasp De Zerbi’s tactics and implement them effectively, Sassuolo could find their attacking rhythm and start climbing the table.
FAQs
Where does Sassuolo currently stand in Serie A?
As of today, July 7, 2024, Sassuolo sits in 19th place in Serie A. FOX Sports
How many points does Sassuolo have?
Sassuolo currently has 30 points. FOX Sports
Is Sassuolo in the relegation zone?
Yes, with their current position at 19th, Sassuolo is in the relegation zone.
What was Sassuolo’s last Serie A match result?
Their last Serie A match was a 1:1 draw against Lazio. FcTables
Who are Sassuolo’s top goal scorers this season?
Andrea Pinamonti leads the team with 12 goals, followed by Domenico Berardi with 10. FcTables
Conclusion
Sassuolo finds itself in a precarious position in Serie A, currently occupying a relegation zone spot. They’ll need to turn things around quickly to avoid dropping down to Serie B. With some key players like Pinamonti and Berardi in good form, they have the potential to climb the table.
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