Roberto De Zerbi confirms Sassuolo genuinely believed they could beat Juventus, even down to 10 men. ‘I could tell we had the opportunity to do so.’
The Neroverdi will have won themselves some more neutral supporters this evening, as despite Pedro Obiang’s red card on the stroke of half-time, they continued to play, equalised through Gregoire Defrel, and were only beaten 3-1 late on.
Roberto De Zerbi confirms Sassuolo genuinely believed they could beat Juventus, even down to 10 men. ‘I could tell we had the opportunity to do so.’
The Neroverdi will have won themselves some more neutral supporters this evening, as despite Pedro Obiang’s red card on the stroke of half-time, they continued to play, equalised through Gregoire Defrel, and were only beaten 3-1 late on.
Gianluca Frabotta’s low ball from the left was allowed to go past two defenders until Aaron Ramsey turned in.
“We have changed this season compared to the last two years, as we do zonal marking now in the box,” De Zerbi told Sky Sport Italia.
“I think Vlad Chiriches was just tired, as he had just run up the other end. He is from Maurizio Sarri’s school at Napoli, so he knows the timing of these things.
“I wanted to win the game, without any sense of arrogance, because I could tell that we had the opportunity to do so. Losing here wouldn’t make much difference, so we may as well go for it.”
Sassuolo have faltered against the big clubs this season, but always put up a fight.
“This is a very balanced season, from the top to the bottom. The leaders can lose to those in last place and vice versa,” continued De Zerbi.
“Of what I’ve seen so far, Milan are the most convincing, partly because of their mentality and self-belief, they know their identity and can rely on that. I also like Juventus, because it’s not easy to create an identity in such a short space of time with a new coach, many new players and no real pre-season training.”
De Zerbi has hinted this season could be the end of an era at Sassuolo, but he notes that doesn’t necessarily mean he is moving on.
“We have many quality players in this squad and if we don’t achieve an extraordinary result, which for us would be Europe, it’s natural that these players will have the ambition to go and play in Europe. I mean players like Berardi, Boga, Locatelli, it’s only natural.
“Therefore, I told the club that if we don’t get there, we should be prepared to and not afraid of opening up a new era.
“I am in no rush to go anywhere, I am enjoying my time at Sassuolo. I’ll see if I continue that journey here or elsewhere. I am ambitious too, but I am in no hurry.”