Inter should have happy memories of facing Sassuolo when they host the Neroverdi at San Siro tonight, as explained by a report in the Italian media.
Antonio Conte’s side could strike a potentially decisive blow in the Serie A title race by winning their rearranged game, which would take them 11 points clear of second-placed AC Milan.
Corriere dello Sport’s print edition pointed out that the turning point in Inter’s season came in the reverse fixture at Sassuolo in November, when Conte’s men defeated Roberto De Zerbi’s side 3-0.
Inter have won 17 of their last 20 games since that moment (including their victory at the Mapei Stadium), along with two draws and a one defeat away at Sampdoria.
Inter had picked up only 15 points in their first eight league games before that match, conceding 13 goals thanks to their leaky defence.
Samir Handanovic has let in exactly the same number of goals in the following 20 games though, underlining Inter’s defensive improvement over the last four months.
Conte’s side had already reverted to last season’s 3-5-2 systems two games before the trip to Sassuolo, when they visited Atalanta before the November international break.
They were only able to secure a 1-1 draw on that occasion though, which was followed by the unconvincing 4-2 win over Torino and the 2-0 defeat at home to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
