Chievo, which finished 1-1 at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Neroverdi went in front after only three minutes when Gregoire Defrel capitalised on a half-clearance by the visitors’ goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri, but Alberto Paloschi drew the Flying Donkeys level midway through the first half. Another goal by Defrel before the break seemed to be unjustly ruled off for an offside decision.
“We always play to win,” Di Francesco told Sky Sport Italia after the match.
“We were good to find a goal in the beginning, but then [Chievo] came out with the draw.
“In the middle of the first half we created chances and Defrel scored a wrongly disallowed goal.
“From the field I could see the goal should have stood and the replays confirm there was nothing wrong with the goal.”
The draw left Sassuolo in fourth place with 12 points for at least another week, while Chievo also continue to impress by standing in seventh position with 11 points.
“The third-place team played the fourth-place team today, this game was considered the match of the week despite the names of the teams that occupy those positions,” Di Francesco said.
“For this reason, a draw against a team as good as Chievo is a good result.
“From the way we prepared, I expected us to win it, but maybe we were a little tired.
“Our attacking line is definitely full of talented players, we need many quality components in that department because my style of play requires a lot of movement from the attackers. ”
