In Serie A Round 8, Italian top flight’s top scorers Sassuolo traveled to the home of the most astute defense: The Neroverdi had a stiff task on their hands against Hellas Verona but returned with their reputation intact.
Both Verona and Sassuolo have defied expectations this season, with the latter challenging Serie A bigwigs. Roberto De Zerbi’s men had the chance to take pole position at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi, and they did not disappoint.
Jeremie Boga scored just before the first period was over, with Domenico Berardi adding to the Neroverdi’s tally in the 76th minute. Sassuolo took home the points but had stiff resistance from Ivan Juric’s Verona. The hosts hit the post thrice and troubled Andrea Consigli numerous times.
NOI IN CAMPO COSÌ ?
— Hellas Verona FC (@HellasVeronaFC) November 22, 2020
FORZA VERONA ??#DaiVerona #SerieATIM #VeronaSassuolo #lastoriAcontinuA pic.twitter.com/uEhsU4joc4
The match began with the travelers showcasing their quality. Both Giacomo Raspadori and Manuel Locatelli threatened to create something, but Verona’s defense was alert to their actions. At the other end of the pitch, the hosts took the lead in creating the first meaningful chance of the game. Ivan Ilic sent a thunderous drive from outside the box, but the ball only rattled the right post.
In the absence of Francesco Caputo, Giacomo Raspadori was leading the lines, with Jeremie Boga and Domenico Berardi cutting in from the flanks. Both players would get on the scoreboard, but it was the Ivory Coast international who was the first to threaten the opposition. The quick dribbler tried to test the keeper from the box’s edge, but his effort went over the bar.
Boga would not be given this freedom until the end of the first half. However, when the opportunity presented itself, Berardi forced the game as he sent an accurate cross into the box and found the Chelsea youth academy graduate. Boga gave a good account of his abilities to curl the ball into the back of the net.
Such was the accuracy of Berardi’s pass that Boga could have taken a nap, woken up, assessed the situation, and still had time to place the ball into the top right corner.
#VeronaSassuolo: la formazione ufficiale neroverde ⬇️
— U.S. Sassuolo (@SassuoloUS) November 22, 2020
(4-2-3-1) Consigli; Toljan, Chiriches, Ferrari, Rogerio; Lopez, Locatelli; Berardi, Djuricic, Boga; Raspadori#ForzaSasol ??? pic.twitter.com/0HCD3s8w1M
Going into the break, De Zerbi must have been pleased with the score. Sassuolo were comfortable in possession and, barring that Ilic effort, had not come under pressure.
The first half-hour of the second half would continue in the same fashion until Berardi decided to have some fun. The Italy international went on a successful solo run, leaving Verona players in his wake. His final effort took a slight deflection off a Verona defender and reduced Marco Silvestri’s chances of ever stopping it.
Verona took offense in going two goals down. They should have made the final ten minutes interesting but could not get past Andrea Consigli or the posts. Miguel Veloso took the free-kick after Berardi brought down Antonin Barak. The Portuguese’s delivery went over the wall but only managed to hit the post.
With a comfortable cushion in place, Sassuolo slowed down the proceedings and brought on defensive players to take home the points. De Zerbi’s tactics bore fruit as Verona’s attempts were thwarted time and again. The hosts should have gotten a consolation goal, but it would not come to be.
Sassuolo currently lead the Serie A table and, if Milan lose to Napoli tonight, they will maintain their solitary lead. That would be the first time since Chievo Verona in 2001 that the Italian league table is led by a club who’s not part of the traditional “Seven Sisters.”
MATCH REPORT
November 22, 2020 – Serie A 2020-2021 Round 8
VERONA-SASSUOLO 0-2
SCORERS: 42′ Boga, 75′ Berardi
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VERONA (3-4-1-2): Silvestri; Ceccherini (68′ Udogie), Magnani, Di Carmine (78′ Salcedo Mora); Dawidowicz, Tameze, Ilic (68′ Veloso), Dimarco; Barak; Zaccagni, Kalinic (38′ Colley) (Berardi, Pandur, Cetin, Terracciano, Cancellieri, Amione, Danzi, Bertini) Coach: Juric |
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SASUOLO (4-2-3-1): Consigli; Rogerio, Toljan (64′ Ayhan), Chiriches, Ferrari; Locatelli, Lopez (80′ Obiang); Djuricic (73′ Traorè), Berardi, Boga (79′ Marlon); Raspadori (73′ Muldur) ( Turati, Magnanelli, Peluso, Oddei, Bourabia, Kyriakopulos, Schiappacasse) Coach: De Zerbi |
REFEREE: Mr. Chiffi from Padua
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Dimarco, Juric (V), Lopez, Locatelli, Marlon (S)
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