Sassuolo and Cagliari had to settle for equal points in their opening tie of the 2014-15 season.
A tremendous effort from Simone Zaza opened the scoring for the hosts but Marco Sau made sure Zdenek Zeman left with a point.
We saw signs of Zeman’s entertaining tactics on his return to Serie A but were left wanting more. Sassuolo on the other hand were able to register their intent, as they target improvement on their second season in the top division.
Sassuolo
Alberto Pomini – 7 – Faultless
Brought in to cover the injured Gianluca Pegola and made the most of his chance. Made half a dozen excellent saves, many of which proved vital.
Marcello Gazzola – 6 – Quiet
Had a quiet night where he made darting runs up the wing with little success.
Luca Antei – 6 – Average
Did well in Pablo Cannavaro’s absense, though could hav done better with Sau’s equaliser
Lorenzo Ariaudo – 5.5 – Suspect
Looked lost at times against his former side, but made up for it with several convincing tackles.
Federico Peluso – 6.5 – Bright
One of the stronger sections of the Sassuolo defence, the former Juventus man was solid but did pick up a yellow card for his troubles.
Davide Biondini – 6.5 – Tough
Brave going into challenges and back tracking whenever possible, very much the engine room of the midfield. Had his effort saved by Colombi.
Franesco Manganelli – 6.5 – Leader
Lead by example but couldn’t claim to have the same influence as his Cagliari counterparts had in the midfield department.
Simone Missiroli – 6.5 – Imposing
Won the aerial battle on more than one occasion and was always looking to feed one of the attackers, faded as the match wore on.
Domenico Berardi – 7 – Dangerous
Provided the assist for Zaza’s stunner. Quick, incisive and skilful as he continues to build on his wonderful Serie A reputation. Replaced by Floro Flores later on.
Simone Zaza – 8 – Spectacular
Responded in fantastic fashion to his international call-up. Netted what could be a goal of the season contender already. Looked threatening all match and showed excellent skill in firing home his volley.
Nicola Sansone – 6.5 – Threatening
Had the best chance to open the scoring but Colombi was equal to his cracking effort. Replaced by Vrsaljko with ten minutes of the ninety.
Substitutes
Antonio Floro Flores – 3.5 – Poor
Should have done much better with the chance that fell to him late on, but instead sent it sailing over the bar.
Raman Chibsah – 4 – Indifferent
Didn’t have much success late in the match and tried to play a part in the build up but was largely sidelined.
Sime Vrsaljko – No Rating
Played the last ten minutes in what was a chance for fans to appreciate an excellent coup signing by the club.
Cagliari
Simone Colombi – 7 – Blameless
The summer signing from Atalanta was determined to keep his side in the game, and couldn’t be held to blame for Zaza’s superb volley. Quick off his line and resolute until the final whistle, he did well with pressure from Alessio Cragno for the first choice spot.
Francesco Pisano – Not Rated
Began brightly but was withdrawn after 24 minutes through injury.
Luca Rossettini – 6.5 – Dependable
Was solid predominantly but did struggle with the pace of the Sassuolo attackers.
Luca Ceppitelli – 5.5 – Timid
Dwarfed by the performance of his centre-back partner, showed a degree of naivity at times.
Dario Avelar – 6 – Spirited
Tried in vain to get his side back into the game and provide impetus. Saw his strike parried away later in the match.
Lorenzo Crisetig – 6 – Underwhelming
Couldn’t influence the tie as he had done so often for Crotone last season.
Daniele Conti – 6.5 – Unlucky
Could have sealed the tie with a late header, but Pomini was able to palm it away. Worked tirelessly for the result and picked up a booking late on.
Albin Ekdal – 6.5 – Combative
Refused to give up on the loose ball and supported the defense with his tracking runs and strong tackling.
Diego Farias – 5.5 – Nonexistant
Invisible for much of the game and provided little support for Sau in the final third.
Marco Sau – 7.5 – Saviour
Tucked away his chance on goal expertly, looked bright but not up to full speed just yet. Likely to be a key figure for the Sardinian side tihs season.
Andrea Cossu – 6.5 – Fighter
The Sardinian was determined to leave with the three points and nearly won the game, but his shot skimmed over the bar.
Substitutes
Antonio Balzano – 6.5 – Inspired
Replaced the injured Pisano and didn’t shy away from the oppurtunity. Galloped up and and down the wing and got his reward, as his low cross was met by Sau who fired in the equaliser. Got booked early in the second half.
Samuele Longo – 4 – Ineffective
Couldn’t influence the scoreline and had precious little to work with in the dying minutes.
Nicola Murru – Run Out
Brought on in the 89th minute for a run out.
Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156
