As the new Serie A season unfolds, the narrative is rarely predictable, and the upcoming clash between Inter Milan and Sassuolo is a perfect example of this. While on paper this may seem like a straightforward home victory for the Nerazzurri, history—and recent form—paints a much more nuanced picture. Set to take place at the iconic San Siro on September 21, this Matchday 4 fixture is not just another game; it's a litmus test for a new era at Inter and a potential statement of intent for a recently-promoted Sassuolo side.
Inter, under the new stewardship of Cristian Chivu, have had a mixed start to their domestic campaign. A resounding 5-0 victory over Torino on August 25 promised much, but was followed by back-to-back league defeats—a narrow 1-2 loss at home to Udinese and a chaotic 4-3 thriller against arch-rivals Juventus in the Derby d'Italia. These results have raised early questions about defensive solidity and consistency. However, the team found a crucial morale boost with a convincing 2-0 Champions League win over Ajax in Amsterdam, showcasing their attacking prowess with a brace from the in-form Marcus Thuram. This victory provides the perfect springboard for them to regain their footing in Serie A.
Sassuolo, on the other hand, is a team in a state of flux. Having recently returned to the top flight, they are finding their rhythm under manager Fabio Grosso. Their season began with two losses, a 0-2 defeat to Napoli and a painful 3-2 away loss to Cremonese. Yet, they showed their characteristic resilience and attacking threat by pulling off a surprising 1-0 upset at home against Lazio in their most recent league outing. This victory demonstrated their ability to capitalize on chances and defend a lead, providing a much-needed shot of confidence.
The head-to-head history between these two clubs is where the real intrigue lies. It’s a rivalry defined by unpredictability, where the underdog often bites back. In their 22 Serie A encounters, both teams hold a perfectly balanced record of 10 wins and two draws each. This remarkable parity is almost unheard of for a team of Inter's stature. Most notably, Sassuolo has proven to be a particularly troublesome opponent at the San Siro, having lost just two of their last nine meetings there. Their last encounter on May 4, 2024, resulted in a 1-0 home victory for Sassuolo, a result that still stings the Nerazzurri. This history suggests that while Inter are favorites, they cannot afford to take their opponents lightly.
Tactically, this match promises a fascinating battle of styles. Inter's new-look squad under Chivu typically operates in a 4-3-3 formation, a shift from the back-three system that brought them so much success previously. This formation relies on the creativity and tempo-setting ability of their midfield trio, anchored by Hakan Çalhanoglu and the energetic Nicolò Barella. Their full-backs, Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco, are crucial to their attacking width, often pushing high to support the likes of Thuram and Lautaro Martínez. Inter's strength lies in their ability to dominate possession and apply a high-intensity press, often overwhelming opponents with their attacking volume.
Sassuolo, under Fabio Grosso, is likely to deploy a 3-5-2 system. This formation prioritizes a compact, defensive block and looks to exploit space on the counter-attack. The success of this strategy hinges on the disciplined performances of their wing-backs and the creative brilliance of star players like Domenico Berardi. Berardi, in particular, has a history of causing problems for Inter, having scored seven Serie A goals at the San Siro. His partnership with former Inter man Andrea Pinamonti will be key to their chances. However, Sassuolo's approach comes with risks. Their recent form has shown a lack of defensive discipline, evidenced by a high number of yellow cards and a tendency to concede when pinned back. If Inter’s relentless press is successful, Sassuolo's defense could crumble under the sustained pressure.
From a player perspective, all eyes will be on the attacking lines. For Inter, Marcus Thuram is the man of the moment. With three goals and an assist in his first three league games, the French forward has hit the ground running and will be a constant threat. His ability to get in behind defenses, combined with Lautaro Martínez's sharp movement, makes for a formidable partnership. The return of Lautaro from a minor back issue will be a significant boost. In the midfield, the dynamic duo of Barella and Çalhanoglu will be tasked with controlling the game and unlocking Sassuolo's compact defense.
For Sassuolo, the hopes of an upset largely rest on the shoulders of Domenico Berardi. His flair and finishing ability from wide positions are their best chance of a breakthrough. Andrea Pinamonti will also be motivated to perform against his former club. The midfield battle will be crucial, with the likes of Kristian Thorstvedt and Ismael Koné needing to put in a tireless shift to disrupt Inter's passing lanes and provide cover for their back line.
In conclusion, while Inter Milan enters this match as the overwhelming favorite, the historical narrative and recent performances suggest a more challenging fixture than the bookmakers might indicate. Inter's attacking firepower, boosted by the return of Lautaro Martínez and the form of Marcus Thuram, should be enough to secure a victory. However, Sassuolo's counter-attacking threat, led by the perennial Inter nemesis Domenico Berardi, means that a clean sheet for the home side is far from guaranteed. Expect a high-scoring, entertaining affair, with Inter ultimately triumphing but not without a few nervy moments. A 3-1 or 4-2 scoreline seems a distinct possibility, allowing Inter to get their Scudetto ambitions back on track.
