In a rain-soaked encounter at the Mapei Stadium-Città del Tricolore, Sassuolo faced Fiorentina in the 19th round of the Serie A 2023/24 season.
The game’s narrative saw Sassuolo, under Dionisi, taking the lead with a goal from Pinamonti. The former Inter striker’s goal came from a remarkably well-orchestrated play by the emiliani, full of intricate passing sequences. Fiorentina, on the other hand, failed to respond appropriately and rarely threatened Sassuolo goalkeeper, Consigli. Also, a goal from Berardi for the neroverdi was disallowed due to an offside ruling.
The second half saw an array of dramatic events unfold. Thorstvedt managed to double Sassuolo’s lead only for VAR to overturn it due to Mateus Henrique being offside at the commencement of the play. In Sassuolo’s penalty area, Ferrari committed a handball offence, resulting in a penalty for Fiorentina, which Bonaventura subsequently missed, thanks to a brilliant save by Consigli. Merely minutes afterward, Fiorentina seemed to have found an equaliser through Martinez Quarta, but he too was deemed offside via VAR, thus nullifying the goal.
Despite a late onslaught by Fiorentina, after eight minutes of added time, they had to admit defeat to the resilient Sassuolo side.
The sole goal of the match was scored by Pinamonti 9 minutes into the game.
Sassuolo’s starting lineup was in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Consigli; Toljan (85′ Missori), Erlic, Ferrari, Pedersen; Boloca, M. Henrique; Berardi (80′ Bajrami), Thorstvedt, Laurienté (76′ Tressoldi); Pinamonti (85′ Mulattieri). They were managed by Dionisi.
Fiorentina, also playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, had the following starters: Terracciano; Kayode, Milenkovic, Quarta, Biraghi; Arthur (52′ Duncan), Mandragora (52′ Beltran); Ikonè, Bonaventura (80′ Barak), Brekalo (74′ Parisi); Nzola. They were led by manager Italiano.
The match was officiated by referee Abisso.