An experimental Sassuolo fell 1-0 to Celta Vigo in their first Trofeo TIM mini-match and they’ll play Milan next.
The tournament is made up of three 45-minute games to decide the winner of the traditional pre-season cup, this year hosted by Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium.
Milan won the first mini-match on penalties after their 0-0 draw with Celta Vigo.
The Neroverdi were missing star player Domenico Berardi, as he is on international duty with the Italy Under-21 squad.
An experimental Sassuolo fell 1-0 to Celta Vigo in their first Trofeo TIM mini-match and they’ll play Milan next.
The tournament is made up of three 45-minute games to decide the winner of the traditional pre-season cup, this year hosted by Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium.
Milan won the first mini-match on penalties after their 0-0 draw with Celta Vigo.
The Neroverdi were missing star player Domenico Berardi, as he is on international duty with the Italy Under-21 squad.
Ex-Cesena talent Stefano Sensi went close with a free kick that skimmed the upright and Diego Falcinelli’s attempt was parried.
However, Celta Vigo broke the deadlock when the offside trap failed, allowing Dejan Drazic to go clear on goal.
Señé almost doubled their lead moments later, but his effort came off the upright.
Sensi was one of several new faces in the Sassuolo squad, along with Luca Mazzitelli, Pol Lirola and Timo Letschert, so they were looking a little uncertain about Coach Eusebio Di Francesco’s 4-3-3 system.
Politano did great work down the left to set up Gregoire Defrel for a shot well saved and Federico Magnanelli’s free kick flashed wide.
Despite it being a friendly lasting only 45 minutes, there were a surprising five yellow cards.
The final match of the Trofeo TIM this evening is between Sassuolo and Milan.
Sassuolo 0-1 Celta Vigo
Drazic 16 (C)
Sassuolo: Pegolo; Lirola, Antei, Letschert, Peluso; Mazzitelli (Trotta 35), Magnanelli, Sensi; Politano, Falcinelli, Defrel
Celta Vigo: Villar, Lemos, S Gómez, Costas, Planas, Pape, Tucu, Señé, Naranjo, Drazic, Guidetti