On September 14, 2025, Inter Milan crushed expectations with a commanding 3-0 win over Sassuolo in Matchday 4 of the 2025/2026 Serie A season, exposing deep cracks in the visitors’ squad before the season had even hit its stride. Managed by interim boss Cristian Chivu, Inter deployed a ruthless 3-5-2 with Lautaro Martínez leading the line, while Sassuolo, under Alessio Dionisi, struggled to find rhythm in a 4-3-3 that looked more like a defensive shell than an attacking threat. The result wasn’t just about goals—it was about timing. With Sassuolo’s injury list swelling ahead of their next clash against AC Milan, this match felt less like a routine league fixture and more like a warning shot.
Inter Milan’s Precision in Motion
Chivu’s side didn’t just win—they orchestrated. Lautaro Martínez (28), the Argentine striker, was a constant menace, pulling defenders out of position and creating space for Marcus Thuram (28) to exploit. Behind them, the midfield trio of Nicolò Barella (28), Hakan Çalhanoğlu (31), and Mario Sucic (27) controlled the tempo with surgical precision. Wing-backs Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco (both 28) provided width without sacrificing defensive shape. The back three—Manuel Akanji (29), Francesco Acerbi (37), and Carlos Augusto (25)—were immaculate, rarely forced into a last-ditch challenge. The 90 minutes felt like a masterclass in modern Italian football: disciplined, dynamic, and devastating.
Sassuolo’s Invisible Attack
Meanwhile, Sassuolo’s lineup—anchored by veteran Nemanja Matić (36) and young Ismaël Koné (22)—lacked cohesion. Their two main scorers, Domenico Berardi (30) and Andrea Pinamonti (25), were supposed to be the engine, but Berardi was barely visible, constantly isolated. The midfield lacked creativity; Cristian Volpato (21), who’d been their most dangerous playmaker with three assists in early matches, was stifled by Inter’s press. Goalkeeper Arijanet Muçiç (26) made five saves—three of them acrobatic—but couldn’t stop the tide. The 3-0 scoreline didn’t flatter Inter; it exposed Sassuolo’s fragility.
The Injury Crisis That Could Cost Sassuolo Their Season
Here’s the twist: this wasn’t just about poor form on Matchday 4. By December 14, 2025, as Cult of Calcio reported, Sassuolo was reeling from a devastating injury list. Domenico Berardi, their talisman since 2014, was sidelined indefinitely. So were Aster Vranckx (22), Daniel Boloca (23), and four other rotation players. In their place, Sassuolo’s lineup against AC Milan featured 21-year-old Cristian Volpato as the de facto playmaker and 25-year-old Polish defender Sebastian Walukiewicz—a last-minute signing from Legia Warsaw—starting at left-back. The 2-2 draw against Milan was a moral victory, but it came at a cost: Sassuolo’s attack, once the league’s most exciting, now looked like a youth academy trial.
Why This Matters Beyond the Standings
Inter Milan, under Chivu’s interim leadership, are quietly building momentum. They’ve won all four league matches so far, conceding just one goal. With Steven Zhang still in charge at the club’s Milan headquarters, the pressure is mounting for a permanent manager—likely someone with Serie A pedigree. But for now, Chivu’s calm authority is holding things together.
Sassuolo, however, is in freefall. Since their promotion in 2013, they’ve played Inter 21 times in Serie A—winning just twice. Now, with their best players on the sidelines, their chances of avoiding relegation are slipping. Their next home game against Inter on Matchday 22 (February 23, 2026, at Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia) could be their last realistic shot at a positive result this season.
What’s Next?
Inter’s next test is a home clash with Napoli on Matchday 5—likely their toughest challenge yet. But with their defense intact and Martínez in form, they look like genuine title contenders. Sassuolo, meanwhile, must hope for a miracle recovery from Berardi and Vranckx. Without them, even a draw against relegation rivals like Bologna or Genoa feels unlikely. The club’s CEO, Giovanni Carnevali, has already hinted at January transfer activity—but with Serie A’s financial fair play rules tightening, options are limited.
Historical Context: A One-Sided Rivalry
Since Sassuolo’s 2013 promotion, Inter have dominated this fixture. Of their 21 Serie A meetings, Inter have won 16, Sassuolo just 2, with only 3 draws. The last time Sassuolo beat Inter? October 2021—a 1-0 win in Modena, when Berardi scored the only goal. That team had depth. This one doesn’t.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lautaro Martínez listed twice in Inter’s substitutes?
The duplicate listing of Lautaro Martínez (jersey #9 and #10) in Inter’s substitute list appears to be an official website error—likely a data entry mistake. Martínez wears #9 and started the match; no player wears #10 in the official lineup. The error was corrected in subsequent match reports from Serie A’s official data feed, but the initial publication caused confusion among fans and fantasy league managers.
How has Sassuolo’s injury crisis affected their playing style?
Without Berardi and Vranckx, Sassuolo abandoned their trademark possession-based attacking system. They’ve shifted to a direct, long-ball approach, relying on pace from Alieu Fadera and Andrea Pinamonti. Their passing accuracy has dropped from 84% to 71% in the last three games, and their shots per game have halved. Manager Alessio Dionisi admitted in a post-match presser that they’re "playing with one hand tied behind their back."
What’s the significance of Cristian Chivu’s interim role at Inter?
Chivu, a former Inter captain and Romanian international, was appointed after Simone Inzaghi’s sudden departure in May 2025. His calm demeanor and deep club knowledge have stabilized the squad during a turbulent transition. With Inter leading the table, he’s a strong candidate for the permanent job—but the club is also reportedly considering Maurizio Sarri. Chivu’s ability to maintain discipline and maximize young talent like Barella and Dimarco has impressed even skeptics.
Could Sassuolo still avoid relegation despite their injuries?
It’s unlikely. With only 1 point from their last three games and key players out until at least February, Sassuolo are 15th and six points above the drop zone—with 11 games to play. Their goal difference (-9) is the worst in the top half. Even if they win all remaining home games, they’ll need other teams to collapse. Their best hope: a January loan deal for a proven Serie A striker—something their budget may not allow.
When is the next Inter Milan vs Sassuolo match, and where?
The next meeting is scheduled for Matchday 22 on February 23, 2026, at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia. Inter will be heavy favorites, especially if Sassuolo’s injury list remains unchanged. Team news is expected 24 hours before kickoff, but current indications suggest Sassuolo will field a squad with six players under 23.
Who are Sassuolo’s top performers this season despite the injuries?
Despite the chaos, Andrea Pinamonti (25) has scored 3 goals and Cristian Volpato (21) has 3 assists—both vital for a team lacking creativity. Goalkeeper Arijanet Muçiç (26) has kept 3 clean sheets in his last 10 appearances, making him one of Serie A’s most underrated keepers. Without them, Sassuolo would likely be in the relegation zone already.