Sassuolo v Udinese Preview: Neroverdi host limping Zebrette
The Neroverdi currently sit in seventh place, just four points short of AC Milan, and were recently lauded by Juventus starlet Paulo Dybala, despite their 1-0 defeat to the league leaders.
The Neroverdi have taken nine points from their last five games, achieving two 2-0 victories over Milan and Lazio, and a well-earned 3-2 win over Empoli, before drawing with Chievo. Eusebio Di Francesco’s side have only lost two games at home this season.
Stefano Colantuono’s men continue to struggle, having lost two-in-a-row to Roma and Frosinone. Out of their last five, they’ve managed just three points with a 2-0 victory over Hellas Verona.
In their January clash, the two sides went scoreless in a 0-0 draw . Of their five previous encounters, the Zebrette have done slightly better, managing two wins, two draws and only one defeat.
Sassuolo top scorer and star Domenico Berardi will look to continue his current form in the hopes of being selected by Antonio Conte for the national team ahead of the European Championship, as the 21-year old has scored six goals and three penalties so far this season.
Sassuolo coach Di Francesco will be without midfielders Karim Laribi and Simone Missiroli as well as defender Paolo Cannavaro.
The Zebrette continue to play without the help of midfielder Alexander Merkel who is still recovering from a cruciate ligament rupture, as well as Guilherme.
Form Guide
Sassuolo (L-W-W-W-D) Udinese: (L-L-W-L-L)
Expected Starting XIs:
Sassuolo: Consigli, Vrsaljko, Antei, Acerbi, Peluso, Biondini, Magnanelli, Duncan, Berardi, Defrel, Sansone
Udinese: Karnezis, Heurtaux, Danilo, Felipe, Adnan, Badu, Kuzmanovic, Hallfredsson, Fernandes, Di Natale, Thereau
Inforgaphic courtesy of Sporticos.com