In a Serie A encounter that offered more theatrical twists than a Shakespearean tragedy, Sassuolo emerged victorious with a hard-fought 1-0 away win against Hellas Verona. The solitary goal, netted by Andrea Pinamonti, arrived in the second half, but the story of the match was undeniably written by the omnipresent hand of VAR, which kept both teams and spectators on a perpetually suspended edge.
Tactical Tensions and Early Scrutiny
The pre-match narrative was initially dominated by the anticipated return of Sassuolo`s talisman, Domenico Berardi, eyeing his 150th goal. However, a late physical issue sidelined him, paving the way for Volpato to start. This unforeseen change set a tone for a match defined by adaptation and resilience.
From the whistle, the contest was a textbook example of contrasting philosophies. Verona, under coach Zanetti, pressed with a furious intensity, embodying aggression and relentless pursuit of every ball. Sassuolo, led by Grosso, aimed to navigate this yellow-blue storm with calculated possession and build-up play from the back. The midfield became a battleground, with duels between Matic-Gagliardini and Kone-Serdar unfolding like a gladiatorial display, each pair vying for dominance.
An early opportunity for Sassuolo saw former Verona player Doig set up Pinamonti, only for Frese of Verona to execute a miraculous, last-ditch interception, preventing what seemed a certain opener. It was a clear indication that goals would not come easily at the Bentegodi.
VAR`s Protracted Prologue: Penalties and Revocations
Just before the quarter-hour mark, the match witnessed its first major VAR intervention. Following a Verona corner, a scramble ensued, leading to a clash between Frese and Volpato. A handball was spotted, and a penalty awarded to the home side. The decision seemed «generous» even in real-time, with Volpato`s hand movement appearing in line with natural body motion during a challenge. But VAR, the silent arbiter, had other plans. A review revealed an earlier foul by Verona`s Nunez on Sassuolo goalkeeper Muric during the build-up. The penalty was promptly revoked, leaving Verona with a sense of injustice and perhaps a touch of poetic irony regarding the initial call`s generosity.
Second-Half Awakens with Decisive Drama
The initial minutes of the second half offered a lull, a moment of deceptive calm before the storm. But coach Grosso`s substitutions injected much-needed vivacity. Fadera, replacing Volpato, immediately began to trouble Verona`s defense, proving to be an inspired change. His energetic presence led to Thorstvedt winning what appeared to be another penalty, only for VAR to once again step in, correcting the referee`s initial judgment and downgrading it to a free-kick just outside the area.
However, this VAR-induced rollercoaster was merely setting the stage for the decisive moment. Just minutes later, a rampant Fadera, proving an absolute handful, was brought down clumsily by Serdar in the box. This time, there was no denying it: a clear penalty for Sassuolo. Pinamonti stepped up, looking to convert after an earlier sequence of missed chances. His central strike was powerfully parried by Montipò, but with the rebound falling kindly, Pinamonti followed up to bury the ball into the net in the 71st minute, securing Sassuolo’s crucial lead.
Verona`s Desperation, Sassuolo`s Resolve
With time ticking away and their Serie A survival hopes dimming, Verona`s coach Zanetti threw caution to the wind, introducing every available attacking option. However, their desperate final push mirrored their first-half struggles: it was aggressive but largely confused, lacking the clinical edge required to breach Sassuolo`s now resolute defense. Grosso, in response, meticulously countered each of Verona`s tactical shifts, ensuring his side maintained their composure.
As the clock wound down to the 97th minute, Sassuolo held firm, weathering Verona`s frantic but ultimately fruitless onslaught. The final whistle confirmed a vital 1-0 victory for Grosso`s men, propelling them to 9 points in the league standings. For Zanetti and Hellas Verona, the international break arrives with the bitter taste of yet another defeat and the daunting reality of a season still without a single victory, amplifying concerns about their Serie A future.