Inter may be wary of this meeting with recent nemesis Sassuolo, as both sides chase a second Serie A victory of the campaign. Inter arrive buoyed by a two–nil win over Ajax in midweek, secured with two goals from corners, to open their UEFA Champions League campaign on a high.
That result offered respite for Cristian Chivu after back-to-back league defeats following a five–nil opening-day victory against Torino at San Siro. Inter have not lost three league games in succession since April 2023; another setback would equal an unwanted club mark of three defeats in the first four matches of a new top-flight season, last seen in 1983–84.
Sassuolo were the only side without a point after the first two match days, but they steadied themselves with a one–nil win over Lazio last weekend, their second competitive success by that score this season. Fabio Grosso’s men have not recorded consecutive league wins since September 2023, and the second of those victories came away to Inter. Repeating that trick demands a marked improvement on their away form, with eleven defeats in their last fourteen Serie A trips, the other three ending in draws, across a relegation-bound 2023–24 and its aftermath.
History between these clubs will sharpen Inter’s focus. Sassuolo did the double over the Nerazzurri in 2023–24 and, along with Juventus, are one of only two teams to manage that against Inter in the last seven seasons. Inter remain Sassuolo’s favourite prey on the road, with the Neroverdi winning more away league games against them than against any other top-flight opponent.
Some trends could shape the afternoon. Five of Inter’s last seven home league matches produced a goal inside the first 20 minutes, and six of their last nine league fixtures saw one side fail to score. Sassuolo have conceded at least twice in eight of their last eleven Serie A outings, while their matches after three rounds averaged a league-low 7.33 total corners.
As for individuals, Marcus Thuram has scored Inter’s last three competitive goals and often strikes late; six of his last eight league goals arrived after the hour. Sassuolo forward Andrea Pinamonti, who began his senior career at Inter, is also prone to late contributions; eight of his last ten league goals have come after the interval. Matteo Darmian missed Inter’s Champions League tie but is likely to be available here. Sassuolo report no fresh injuries, with Laurs Skjellerup nearing full fitness.
Given Inter’s title ambitions and the pattern of this fixture in recent seasons, anything short of a win would feel like a missed step. For bettors, backing over ten total corners could be a shrewd angle, as that selection has landed in every Inter Serie A game this season. For the latest team updates, please check the Flashscore match centre.
