Sassuolo patiently hold on to the ball deep inside the Inter half of the pitch as they try to keep it away from the hosts. That should be that for the visitors, who are seconds away from picking up a well-deserved victory.
90' +3
Gabriel Barbosa gets yellow.
Gabriel clumsily fouls Sensi as the Sassuolo man tries to break forward and then blasts the ball away in frustration, leaving the referee with no choice but to show him a yellow card.
90' +2
Inter desperately pile bodies forward as they try to find a late equalising goal, but they seem to lack the belief and intensity needed to break down Sassuolo. The home side have looked better since the break, but it's still been a relatively comfortable afternoon for their opponents.
90'
The fourth official has indicated that there will be four minutes of added time.
89'
Vital block by Cannavaro! Candreva is presented with a great chance to shoot from the right-hand side of the Sassuolo box, but his effort is stopped by Cannavaro, who sticks out a long leg to deny the winger a late equaliser.
88'
Great opportunity for Defrel to wrap up the win! Another attempted Inter attack breaks down, allowing Sassuolo to counter quickly. Berardi flies down the left wing on an excellent run before spinning and finding Defrel, but the Frenchman can't get the better of Handanovic at the near post, despite putting plenty of power behind his shot.
87'
Once again, Gabriel shows great footwork as he twists and turns over on the right-hand side of the Sassuolo penalty area, but he can't test Consigli with a low strike and instead sends his deflected effort away from danger.
86'
A. Aquilani enters the game and replaces S. Missiroli.
Missiroli receives a rousing round of applause from the travelling supporters as he's replaced by Alberto Aquilani.
85'
Ouch! After dealing with the danger, Sassuolo try to break away quickly, but Eder catches Defrel with a clumsy and late sliding challenge, sending the Frenchman crashing to the ground.
84'
Éder gets yellow.
Gabriel receives the ball just outside fo the Sassuolo box and quickly unleashes a thumping strike, but he's well closed down by Missiroli and can't get the better of the captain.
Minute
Description
83'
Perisic drifts out to the left wing and picks up the ball in a promising position. He then tries to set up Icardi with a curling cross into the heart of the penalty area, but it's poorly hit and flies straight into the hands of Consigli.
81'
Big chance for Perisic! Gabriel whips a beautiful left-footed cross right on to the head of Perisic, but the Croatian can't hit the target with his towering header and instead sends it looping over the top of the crossbar.
79'
Gabriel immediately gets involved in the thick of the action as he twists and turns over on the right-hand side of the penalty area before winning the home side a corner. It initially fails to result in a chance on goal before Eder shoots from 25 yards out, but Consigli is able to watch his effort bounce a few yards wide of the near post.
78'
Gabriel Barbosa enters the game and replaces M. Andreolli.
A huge roar erupts around the stadium as Gabriel comes on to replace Andreolli. He may not play much, but the Brazilian certainly is a fan favourite here!
77'
P. Cannavaro enters the game and replaces M. Politano.
Sassuolo have made their second change of the afternoon, with Politano making way for Paolo Cannavaro.
76'
Candreva does well to get himself into a promising position over on the right flank before trying to pick out Icardi with a swinging cross into the box, but it's poorly hit and fails to find the striker before being collected by Consigli.
74'
C. Ansaldi gets yellow.
Ansaldi charges into the back of Berardi and brings the Sassuolo man crashing to the ground with a poorly timed challenge, leaving the referee with no choice but to show the Argentine a yellow card.
72'
Gagliardini sprints down the left wing and towards the Sassuolo box before being fouled, resulting in a free-kick for Inter in a great position. Eder steps up and shoots, but his strike is fired straight into the wall of white shirts camped in front of him.
71'
Almost an opportunity for Roberto Gagliardini to equalise! Inter immediately push forward from the restart before a low pass is fizzed across the face of goal, where Gagliardini rushes towards the ball but can't quite reach it, despite his best efforts.
70'
Éder has scored a goal for Inter Milan!
GOAL! Inter have pulled one back! Once again, Candreva's cross in from the free-kick is a good one, despite Sassuolo initially managing to deal with the danger. They can only clear the ball as far as Eder, however, and the striker then fires a low, deflected shot past Consigli and into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.
69'
F. Peluso gets yellow.
Candreva causes problems down the right flank as he battles with Peluso, and he forces the full-back into bringing him crashing to the ground with a poorly timed sliding challenge that sees the defender receive a booking.
67'
Almost a chance for Perisic! A Candreva cross swings over to the far post and finds Perisic in a promising position in front of goal, but the Croatian's first touch lets him down and he's unable to get a shot away before Missiroli pokes the ball behind for a corner.
66'
G. Defrel enters the game and replaces P. Iemmello.
Sassuolo have made their first substitution of the game, with Iemmello making way for Gregoire Defrel.
64'
Poor play by Berardi! Space opens up for the forward and allows him to break towards the Inter penalty area on a great run, but he holds on to possession for far too long and is unable to set up Iemmello, who was in acres of space to his left.
62'
The pace of the game has slowed down somewhat, with Inter continuing to struggle to get the better of the hard-working Sassuolo defence. They're lacking the attacking creativity needed to cause problems for the visitors, who have enjoyed a very comfortable afternoon so far.
60'
More boos ring around the stadium as the home side fail to carve out a chance on goal, despite bossing possession. This time it's Brozovic who fires a terrible lofted pass over the Sassuolo defence and out for a goal-kick.
58'
Ansaldi battles with Biondini inside the Sassuolo penalty area and does well to win the home side a corner, but it's well defended by the visitors and fails to result in an opportunity on goal.
56'
D'Ambrosio is put under pressure by Politano just outside of the Inter penalty area and almost loses out to the forward, but he's just about able to nod the ball back to Handanovic before he's dispossessed in a dangerous position.
54'
Inter go close! A low pass is fizzed across the face of goal and should be latched on to by either Icardi or Perisic, but both are unable to make contact with the ball and Sassuolo are just about able to hold on to their two-goal lead.
52'
Another good save by Consigli! Icardi holds up the ball well on the edge of the Sassuolo box before spinning and picking out Eder, who immediately unleashes a thumping low strike that is parried away well by Consigli.
50'
P. Iemmello has scored a goal for Sassuolo! Assist by Pol Lirola.
Lirola did really well to set up Iemmello after getting the better of his marker, but, once again, the home side looked far too open on the break and were carved apart by Sassuolo's hard-working front line.
GOAL! It's 2-0 to Sassuolo! Lirola is left in acres of space deep down the right flank, allowing him to cut in from the wing and into the box. He then perfectly picks out Iemmello, who latches on to the full-back's low cross and pokes the ball into the back of the net from close range.
49'
And now Iemmello! The striker gets the better of Murillo and is able to break into the box, but, like Consigli a few moments ago, Handanovic pulls off a good save with his leg to stop the number nine from bagging himself another goal.
47'
Early chance for Inter! Eder is immediately involved in the thick of the action as he charges into the penalty area and shoots, but Consigli sticks out a foot to deny the striker an equaliser.
46'
C. Ansaldi enters the game and replaces Y. Nagatomo.
Éder enters the game and replaces Y. Nagatomo.
Substitution Yuto Nagatomo Eder Citadin Martins Cristian Daniel Ansaldi
We're underway once again!
45' +1
Excellent opportunity for Acerbi! Berardi chips a beautiful cross into the Inter box and over to the far post, where it finds Acerbi. The centre-back easily beats D'Ambrosio in the air and meets the ball well, but he can't guide his headed effort towards goal and the home side are let off once again.
45'
The fourth official has indicated that there will be one minute of added time.
44'
Almost another big chance for Sassuolo! Politano causes all sorts of problems on the left-hand side of the Inter box as he cuts into the penalty area and towards the byline. Murillo almost drags him to the ground before a low pass is sent towards Iemmello, who is just about beaten to the ball by Andreolli.
42'
Joao Mario is caught in possession and gifts Sassuolo another great chance to counter quickly. They're able to do so and set up Berardi to shoot, but his low strike from 25 yards out is dragged wide of the far post.
40'
Once again, Inter are able to push forward and put the Sassuolo defence under pressure, but they look totally bereft of ideas in front of goal. This time it's a chipped pass towards Perisic that fails to find the Croatian and bounces out for a goal-kick.
38'
Inter quickly win back possession and push forward as they try to find a way back into the game, but Icardi can't get the better of Letschert and loses out to the Dutch defender on the left-hand side of the box.
36'
P. Iemmello has scored a goal for Sassuolo! Assist by D. Berardi.
GOAL! A first shot on target for Sassuolo has put them 1-0 up! Murillo commits a terrible mistake over on the right wing and gifts possession to the visitors, who quickly break forward. The ball is worked over to Domenico Berardi, who is in a pocket of space and easily able to tee up Pietro Iemmello to side-foot a low shot past Samir Handanovic.
That was clever play by Sassuolo once they had won back possession but the goal all came from the error made by Murillo. The Colombian was caught sleeping on the ball and left his fellow defenders in no man's land.
35'
Brozovic twists and turns on the edge of the Sassuolo penalty area before finally being able to tee up Icardi. The striker is in a promising position in front of goal, but he's surrounded by three white shirts and can't get a shot away before being dispossessed.
34'
Nagatomo, who hasn't been presented with many opportunities to push forward, breaks down the left wing before cutting inside. He heads across the pitch as he tries to find a team-mate, but he holds on to possession for far too long and is eventually dispossessed by Sensi.
32'
Once again, Inter move the ball around well deep inside the Sassuolo half of the pitch before eventually letting themselves down with poor decision making. This time it's Candreva who cuts on to his left foot and swings a cross towards Icardi, but it's completely overhit and sails straight into the hands of Consigli.
31'
Brozovic links up well with Candreva before the latter cuts inside from the right flank. He does well to get the better of his marker before firing a low shot towards goal, but it's easily saved by a diving stop from Consigli.
29'
Both Icardi and Consigli seem to be in quite a bit of discomfort after crashing into one another as they battled for the ball. It looks as if they're going to be able to continue, however, despite a bit of bruising for the duo.
28'
Icardi hits the post! Once again, the set-piece is worked over to Perisic, who is then able to nod the ball down to Icardi. The captain charges towards it and is just about able to beat Consigli, but, from a few yards out, he's only able to hit the woodwork with a low header.
27'
Candreva shows good footwork as he dances his way into the right-hand side of the Sassuolo penalty area on a good run, but he holds on to possession for slightly too long and has to settle for a corner.
25'
D'Ambrosio tangles with Matteo Politano and concedes a free-kick in a dangerous position over on the left wing. It's swung into a good area and finds Letschert, but the young defender is put under pressure and can only head the ball away from danger.
23'
Inter patiently work the ball around just outside of the Sassuolo box before Joao Mario is eventually able to swing a cross into the middle of the penalty area. It's slightly overhit, though, and, despite his best efforts, Icardi can't get the better of Francesco Acerbi.
21'
The set-piece is sent short and Candreva runs rings around Biondini on the edge of the penalty area, resulting in the Inter fans reacting wildly. He then swings a lovely cross over to the far post, where it finds Perisic, but the Croatian can't do much with the ball and sends his header away from goal.
20'
Great save by Consigli! Icardi breaks through the middle of the Sassuolo defence and does well to shake off Letschert before unleashing a thumping strike from the edge of the penalty area, but it's well stopped by Consigli and parried out for a corner.
18'
Biondini is barged over from behind by Nagatomo, resulting in a free-kick for Sassuolo on the halfway line. It's taken quickly and worked over to Missiroli, who then tries to set up Peluso, but the captain's through-ball towards the full-back is overhit and rolls out of play for a goal-kick.
16'
This time, Candreva's cross is sent high into the penalty area and picks out Andreolli in a promising position. The centre-back rises high and meets the ball well before sending a downward header towards goal, but it's easily dealt with by Consigli.
15'
A tricky cross from Danilo D'Ambrosio causes a few problems for Consigli, who is forced into pushing the ball behind for a corner. It's sent short and worked over to Candreva, who cuts in from the right wing and fires a low cross off Missiroli for another corner.
14'
Joao Mario does well to skip past Timo Letschert on the edge of the Sassuolo box before spinning and firing a shot towards the bottom left-hand corner of the net, but he's unable to strike it well enough and sends the effort rolling a few yards past the near post.
12'
The second Sassuolo is sent short again before Stefano Sensi launches a lofted pass into the heart of the Inter penalty area, but it's easily dealt with by the home side and fails to result in a chance on goal.
11'
Jeison Murillo commits a poor foul over on the left flank and concedes a free-kick in a promising position. It's sent short and worked over to Pol Lirola, who is then dragged to the ground by Yuto Nagatomo and wins Sassuolo a free-kick in an even better area of the pitch.
9'
Simone Missiroli is clumsily dispossessed midway inside the Sassuolo half of the pitch and allows Icardi to plough forward. The striker charges towards the box and then unleashes a low strike from 20 yards out, but it isn't hit well enough to test Consigli and rolls comfortably wide of the far post.
8'
Joao Mario and Perisic link up well deep down the right flank after a great cross-field pass picks out the winger in a pocket of space. He then tries to find Icardi with a low cross into the penalty area, but it's sent straight into the hands of Andrea Consigli.
6'
Another great opportunity for Perisic! Candreva twists and turns over on the right-hand side of the Sassuolo box before picking out Perisic with a lovely cross. Once again, the Croatian is in an excellent position at the far post, but he can only side-foot his first-time volley into the side-netting.
4'
The set-piece is fired over to the far post and finds Marco Andreolli in a promising position in front of goal, but, slightly off balance, the defender can't hit the target with his headed effort and sends it comfortably wide of its intended target.
3'
Chance for Perisic! Candreva swings an excellent cross into the middle of the Sassuolo box and towards Mauro Icardi, who sticks out a foot but can't make contact with the ball. It bounces over to Perisic, though, and the winger manages to fizz a fierce shot across the face of goal. It flies out to the right wing, where Marcelo Brozovic is fouled by Federico Peluso and wins a free-kick for the hosts.
2'
Inter immediately embark on a good attacking move thanks to clever play from Ivan Perisic. The Croatian easily beats Davide Biondini deep down the left wing before swinging a dangerous cross over to the far post, where it flies just past the head of Antonio Candreva.
1'
We're off! Sassuolo get us underway, attacking from left to right.
Good morning and welcome to our live text commentary of today’s Serie A game between Inter and Sassuolo at San Siro.
It looks as if it’s going to be a miserable end to the season for Inter, who were plunged further into chaos with the sacking of Stefano Pioli on Tuesday. The former Lazio manager lasted just six months at the club, and a toothless defeat away to Genoa would prove to be the final nail in his coffin. Now, the Nerazzurri must win today if they’re to have any hope of qualifying for the Europa League.
It won’t be easy, however, as last weekend’s defeat was their fifth in six games, their worst run in Serie A since the struggles of the 1993-94 season. Inter have looked devoid of confidence and bereft of ideas inside the final third of the pitch, handing Sassuolo a great opportunity to leave San Siro with three points for the second consecutive season.
Caretaker boss Stefano Vecchi, who also took charge of the club after Frank de Boer was dismissed earlier in the season, has asked his players to “end the season in a dignified manner”, but their opponents today certainly have other ideas. It’s been a slightly mixed campaign for Sassuolo, but they currently find themselves on a five-game unbeaten run during which they’ve managed to hold Atalanta, Napoli and Fiorentina to impressive draws.
Eusebio Di Francesco’s task this season hasn’t been made any easier by a string of unfortunate injuries, but his side still have a chance of finishing in the top half of the table if results go their way. Currently in 14th place, they will leapfrog both Chievo and Cagliari with a win today, setting themselves up perfectly for next weekend’s clash against the latter side.
Inter XI (4-3-3): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Murillo, Andreolli, Nagatomo; Brozovic, Gagliardini, Joao Mario; Candreva, Icardi, Perisic.
There’s just over 15 minutes left to go until kick-off, so let’s have a look at how the two teams will be lining up today…
Stefano Vecchi has decided to make three changes to the Inter side that started the defeat against Genoa, with Jeison Murillo, Marcelo Brozovic and Joao Mario coming into the starting line-up to replace Gary Medel, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Eder, respectively.
Meanwhile, Sassuolo boss Eusebio Di Francesco has made six alterations to the team that featured in their last outing, with Claud Adjapong, Paolo Cannavaro, Alberto Aquilani, Alfred Duncan, Alessandro Matri and Antonio Ragusa making way for Pol Lirola, Timo Letschert, Simone Missiroli, Davide Biondini, Pietro Iemmello and Matteo Politano.
The two sides are making their way out onto the pitch, with just a few minutes to go until kick-off.
HALF-TIME: INTER 0-1 SASSUOLO
Boos ring down on the Inter players as they make their way off the pitch, and it's no wonder why. It's been another dreadful opening 45 minutes for the Nerazzurri, who have bossed possession but done very little with the ball. Perisic and Candreva have been poor with their crosses, leaving Icardi incredibly isolated in front of goal. At the other end, their defence has looked shaky when put under pressure, as was evident when Murillo clumsily gave away the ball in the build-up to Sassuolo's well-deserved opener.
The two teams are making their way back out on to the pitch ahead of the start of the second half.
FULL-TIME: INTER 1-2 SASSUOLO
The referee blows his whistle for the final time and brings an end to another disappointing game for the Nerazzurri. They offered slightly more in the second half, mainly thanks to impact made by Eder, but they struggled to do enough to test Sassuolo, who sat back and soaked up the pressure before hitting the hosts on the break. Time and time again, they were able to find far too much space inside the home side's half of the pitch.
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