Three defeats from three games for Alberto Malesani and the good ship ‘U.S Sassuolo’ looks in ever deeper danger of running aground.
His new look side has yet to take any real structure or shape and certain areas, especially the attack, appear light years away from being at the required levels.
In fact they have now reached the depths of the Serie A standings and although not quite in a state of emergency, a turnaround in fortunes is urgently needed.
Malesani has yet to really make any impression on the team since his introduction after the sacking of Eusebio di Francesco. To his credit, the former Verona tactician is well aware of his predicament, stating after the weekend defeat to Napoli, “We need to be more balanced but we can’t leave it too late.
“Certain issues we have will take time to resolve and I’ve only been here two weeks. But, I will do my best to sort this out…”.
The overarching problem does stem from the failure of the newly acquired players to make the impact that is so badly needed. This has had the unwanted side-affect of also hampering the development of those that had, since last September, made excellent progress in Italy’s premier division.
We have visibly seen a decline in the likes of Domenico Berardi, Luca Marrone and Simone Zaza all of whom had been a major part in Sassuolo’s seemingly successful fight for Serie A survival. But all three have looked jaded in recent games and Zaza has found himself a mere bench warmer, limited to a handful of minutes towards the end of matches.
Malesani did heed our advice and play with a three pronged strike force against the Paretenopei but it had no real bite or cutting edge and the Neroverdi were once again thankful of their ‘Superman’ goalkeeper, Gianluca Pegolo, who kept the scoreline level for as long as he could. But even the ex-Siena custodian was finally outdone by a superior opponent which eventually torpedoed his back line.
Much work needs to be done, if the club is to remain in the peninsula’s top flight.
On Sunday, the team travels to Rome to face a Jekyll and Hyde Lazio side that is a further test of the Sassuolo Serie A credentials. 
The coach will be sweating on the fitness of Matteo Brighi, Reto Ziegler and Thomas Manfredini who are all struggling with various knocks.
Reports suggest that the formation will be a more prudent 3-5-2 with Berardi partnered by Sergio Floccari and the Ghanaian Yussif Chibsah to bolster the central midfield. Aleandro Rosi will also return to play on the right flank after missing the Napoli match.
Chibsah is a player of great interest and has always looked impressive in the games he has played for the Neroverdi. The 20-year old midfielder was unfortunate to not have started last weekend and his hard work and relentless tackling has not gone unnoticed. He has been monitored by the likes of Espanyol and Villareal and a potential move away from the Mapei stadium is beginning to gather pace.
It would be a shame as the player does look to have all the attributes to become an excellent box to box midfielder and Malesani would do well to look to him to sure up the central areas which are allowing opponents too much space between his midfield and defence.
It is currently a difficult moment for fans of the Neroverdi as results, performances and the league table point to an imminent return to Serie B. The club is showing faith in Malesani, there has been no mutterings of another change at the helm and the coach himself understands the issues and has promised to put things right.
But the vessel is taking on board water and looks to be at a tipping point. The evening match with Lazio could send it further down or, if things improve, show signs of recovery that would give the tactician more time to straighten out the problems. As always, an intriguing match awaits the supporters.
Forza Sasol!
