Close Ties Off The Pitch & “Bogey Team” Status – Inter Milan Face Familiar Opposition In Sassuolo

Inter Milan face a “bogey team” on the pitch – and a club that they have close ties off of it – in the form of Sassuolo on Wednesday.

Today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, note the links between the two teams.

Last season, Inter beat Sassuolo both home and away.

The first win was a relatively straightforward three points away in Emilia-Romagna. Meanwhile, the reverse leg at the San Siro was more in line with typical meetings between Inter and Sassuolo.

The Nerazzurri looked to be cruising with a 3-0 scoreline.

But the Neroverdi scored twice, a haul that was no more than they deserved given their relentless performance.

Sassuolo typically seem to be a team who know how to cause problems for Inter.

The Emilians play a high-tempo style of football, which has certainly been the case under current coach Alessio Dionisi.

And this has made for a number of famous victories for Sassuolo over Inter. And even when the Nerazzurri have won, it has often been in the manner of last season’s 3-2, or a wild 4-3 victory under Antonio Conte.

This has given the Neroverdi “bogey team” status for Inter.

Inter Milan Reserve “Bogey Team” Status Off The Pitch For Sassuolo – & Close Ties On It

Off the pitch, there are close relations between Inter and Sassuolo.

The two teams have done a number of deals over the years, with players going both ways.

It was the Neroverdi who splashed the cash to sign striker Andre Pinamonti from Inter last summer. He didn’t quite live up to the fee last season, but has had a blazing start to this one, so much so that his current club will want to watch out for him on Wednesday.

And this summer, there was another high-profile double deal between the two clubs.

Samuele Mulattieri’s move from Inter to Sassuolo was the component that flew under the radar more, although it shouldn’t be overlooked.

The transfer that really caught the eye, however, was that of midfielder Davide Frattesi going the other way.

Inter made the Italian international their marquee arrival in midfield.

And Frattesi will likely start in Wednesday’s match. For the first time the 24-year-old – who scored against Inter last season – will go into a match against “bogey team” Sassuolo, rather than with the tag of an underdog who can hurt Inter.