AC Milan vs. Sassuolo: Score, Grades, Reaction from Serie A Game

An emphatic half-volley from Simone Zaza spoiled Alessio Cerci's return to Italian football, as Sassuolo beat AC Milan 2-1 at San Siro on Tuesday.

As Serie A returned to action following a brief winter break, it looked like Filippo Inzaghi's side might resume their inconsistent league campaign with a win after Andrea Poli opened the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes.

But Nicola Sansone equalised in clinical fashion shortly before the half-hour mark to get Sassuolo back on terms before Zaza exposed Milan's big weakness all season—their defending from set pieces—as he drove home brilliantly from Domenico Berardi's corner midway through the second half to seal the points.

Cerci, making his Rossoneri debut following his loan move from Atletico Madrid, had been introduced to the game just moments before Zaza's strike, but despite occasionally finding some dangerous positions, the forward was unable to help his new side rescue a point.

The result means Sassuolo are now just two points behind their storied opponents in the Serie A table, with Milan unable to make immediate inroads in their pursuit of a top-three finish and Champions League qualification. 

Cheered on by a home crowd buoyed by the arrival of Cerci—and perhaps the departure of the disappointing Fernando Torres—Milan made a fast start to the game, with Jeremy Menez and Giacomo Bonaventura unable to make the most of half-chances.

Inzaghi's side were ahead soon enough, however, thanks to alert work from Poli.

A low cross from the right was not quite met by the onrushing Stephan El Shaarawy, but the deflection fell perfectly for the belatedly arriving Poli as the midfielder scuffed his shot into the far corner.

That emboldened the hosts, who continued to push forward but found Sassuolo a dangerous proposition on the counter-attack.

The visitors looked incisive, with Berardi and Zaza particularly lively as Sansone squandered a good opening. It took them until the 28th minute to conjure their first shot on target, which would beat Diego Lopez to restore parity.

It was a sumptuous piece of team play. Berardi was the architect, the forward drifting between the lines to pick up the ball and turn towards goal. From a central position, he spotted Sansone in space and found his strike partner with a chipped ball which the forward controlled and slotted home exquisitely.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Prior to the break, Sassuolo continued to push forward, with Berardi a constant threat as he peppered Lopez's goal with long-range shots. Milan saw Bonaventura flash wide, while Alex saw his header deflected narrowly wide of the post as defenders put their bodies on the line.

That strong back line would continue for Sassuolo in the second half, and it would prove the foundation of their eventual victory.

Milan continued to dominate possession but lacked the creativity or impetus to make anything of it, as Sassuolo ultimately took the lead with the first shot of the half.

The goal was a reminder of the serious problems that have afflicted Milan all season, as Zaza and Berardi combined to exploit their opponent's weakness on corners.

Berardi picked out his fellow striker with an out-swinging cross, and the Italy international did brilliantly to wrap his foot around the ball and thunder a first-time effort inside Lopez's near post.

That goal sparked a panicked reaction from Milan, who turned to substitute Cerci in a vain attempt to create an equaliser. The ex-Roma man was a dangerous presence down the right and certainly did not lack for effort and endeavour, but at every turn he found either Andrea Consigli or a Sassuolo defender on hand to cut out the danger.

The visitors saw out the final 20 minutes with relative ease, with the final whistle greeted by more whistles and boos from the home crowd.

For Inzaghi and Milan, the result underlined the extent of the work that still needs to be done on the team's structure and defensive organization—regardless of the players they are able to bring in during the January transfer window.

For Sassuolo, in contrast, it was another fine result as they continue to prosper in Serie A. This win was fully deserved.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Player Ratings

Player	Rating
Diego Lopez	6
Mattia De Sciglio	6
Adil Rami	6
Cristian Zapata	6
Alex	6
Michael Essien	5
Andrea Poli	6
Riccardo Montolivo	7
Jeremy Menez	6
Giacomo Bonaventura	7
Stephan El Shaarawy	6
Substitutions
Alessio Cerci	7
Giampaolo Pazzini	6
Ignazio Abate	6

Player	Rating
Andrea Consigli	7
Francesco Acerbi	7
Marcello Gazzola	7
Paolo Cannavaro	8
Federico Peluso	7
Francesco Magnanelli	6
Simone Missiroli	6
Davide Biondini	6
Simone Zaza	7
Nicola Sansone	7
Domenico Berardi	8
Substitutions
Matteo Brighi	7
Antonio Floro Flores	6
Sergio Floccari	6

Reaction

Sassuolo manager Eusebio Di Francesco (via Football Italia):

"

I expected Milan to have a strong start, but then we had a great first half overall and could’ve gone in front before the break too. In the second period we did well to contain Milan and score on a corner that we had practiced in training.

I think it really helps a team to be daring and show no fear. If players feel too much pressure, they cannot express themselves to their full potential. I like this mentality, as we press at the right times and caused Milan a lot of problems. The win was thoroughly deserved.

We are young and at times can rest on our laurels, so this performance was a reaction to the points we had fumbled over the last few games, when we lacked focus in the important moments. This time we did well to take home the result

"

What's Next?

AC Milan's next match is against Torino on Saturday, while Sassuolo host Udinese the same day.