Juventus 1-0 on a wet and miserable Wednesday night at the Mapei Stadium.
Nicola Sansone scored the only goal of the game with a magnificent free-kick in the 20th minute in what was a rather turgid match in terms of goalscoring chances. In the 39th minute Giorgio Chiellini was sent-off for a poor challenge on Domenico Berardi to make matters worse for Juventus.
After a rather uneventful first 20 minutes, Sassuolo were given a free-kick just outside the box, following a foul by Mario Lemina. Sansone stepped and curled in a breathtaking free-kick into the top corner, leaving Gianluigi Buffon stranded to give the Neroverdi the lead.
The Old Lady responded in strong fashion and Paul Pogba stung the fingers of Gianluca Pegolo with a rasping shot from 30 yards out.
Ten minutes before the end of the first-half, Juventus were struggling to breakthrough a stout Sassuolo defence, their frustration was shown when Stefano Sturaro rushed an effort as it flew harmlessly over the bar.
Three minutes later it went from bad to worse for the Bianconeri as Chiellini was sent-off for a second yellow card. In truth the Italian could have had no complaints as his challenge on Berardi was rash and needless.
The start of the second-half was relatively chance free with both defences on top form, but Sansone was able to fire a shot from 25 yards out but it sailed wide.
Juventus’ first real chance of the half came in the 65th minute when Leonardo Bonucci failed to direct his header goalwards following a corner.
The Old Lady were increasing the pressure in the final 20 minutes but failed to create anything to trouble the hands of Pegolo.
The result leaves Sassuolo three points off 5th position and Juventus in an awful 12th, 11 points behind league leaders Roma.
