Alessio Dionisi admits the Domenico Berardi goal was ‘extraordinary’ and is above all glad Sassuolo ‘confirmed our character’ by beating Inter 2-1 just days after defeating Juventus 4-2.
Denzel Dumfries had put the Nerazzurri in front on the stroke of half-time, but two goals in nine minutes from Nadim Bajrami and Berardi turned it around.
It is not just Berardi who feels like San Siro is a home away from home, because Dionisi has won four of his five visits to San Siro on the Sassuolo bench.
“It is pleasing to do well here, but I didn’t know that to be honest,” the coach told DAZN.
“It is very satisfying for the team, because after the win over Juventus we showed the same determination in defence and character on the ball. We grew as the game wore on and Inter lost intensity, we kept the ball a lot more and were able to have more influence.
“We knew that we were up against an Inter side who are clearly the strongest in Serie A right now, so it was going to be tough. I am glad we confirmed our character and determination here.”
The Neroverdi showed they were absolutely devastating on the counter-attack today and could’ve scored more goals had it not been for the saves of Yann Sommer.
“It is not easy to play with four strikers against a side like Inter, because they want to be direct, not pass it around that much. We continued with our ideas right to the end, we kept our balance off the ball and those who came on were decisive too, confirming and even raising the level.
“The most difficult thing at Sassuolo has been showing consistency throughout the season and so we hope to avoid the dips we’ve had in the past.”
Sassuolo turned the game around with two moments of magic from Berardi, the first to find Bajrami – who admittedly was rewarded also by a Sommer howler at the near post – and the second curling it into the far top corner himself from the edge of the area.
“The goal is extraordinary, especially because everyone knows him. They know he cuts inside and goes with the left foot, but he almost went backwards to ensure he had enough room to curl the ball into the top corner,” added Dionisi.
“We have a lot more quality now in the final third and try to make the most of it.”