Champions League hopes take a hit for Milan on Matchday 35 as Sassuolo dominate at the Mapei Stadium
Milan’s push for a Champions League spot suffered a major setback as they fell 2-0 to Sassuolo, undone by an early goal, a costly red card, and a lack of attacking sharpness.
The hosts wasted no time asserting control, taking the lead just five minutes in through Domenico Berardi, who curled a precise left-footed finish beyond Mike Maignan after a fast-paced start.
Sassuolo continued to press and nearly doubled their advantage soon after, with Nzola testing the Milan goalkeeper. At the other end, Rafael Leão had a chance to equalize but failed to convert.
The turning point came in the 24th minute when Fikayo Tomori was sent off for a second yellow card after bringing down a surging Laurienté. Reduced to ten men, Milan struggled to recover.
Early in the second half, Sassuolo capitalized on their numerical advantage. Laurienté combined brilliantly with Thorstvedt before beating Maignan at the near post to make it 2-0 and effectively seal the match.
Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri attempted to change the game with a triple substitution, introducing Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic, and Gimenez, but Sassuolo remained in full control, managing both possession and tempo with confidence.
It was a complete performance from Alessio Dionisi’s side, with Thorstvedt particularly influential in midfield, while Milan failed to score for the second consecutive match.
The defeat leaves the Rossoneri at serious risk of being overtaken in the standings, while Sassuolo strengthen their position in the top half of the table.
Match Report
Sassuolo 2-0 Milan
Scorers:
5’ Berardi (Sassuolo), 47’ Laurienté (Sassuolo)
Sassuolo (4-3-3):
Turati; Walukiewicz, Idzes (40’ Coulibaly), Muharemovic, Garcia; Thorstvedt, Matic (46’ Lipani), Koné; Berardi (59’ Volpato), Nzola (84’ Pinamonti), Laurienté (84’ Fadera).
Head coach: Grosso
Milan (3-5-2):
Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers (59’ Loftus-Cheek), Fofana (59’ Pulisic), Jashari (68’ Ricci), Rabiot, Estupinan; Nkunku (46’ Athekame), Leao (59’ Gimenez).
Head coach: Allegri
Referee: Maresca
Bookings: Matic (Sassuolo), Garcia (Sassuolo), Ricci (Milan), Loftus-Cheek (Milan), Volpato (Sassuolo), Fadera (Sassuolo)
Red Card: 24’ Tomori (Milan)
