Serie A | Matchday 15 | Sunday, December 14, 2025
Twelve months ago, Sassuolo were battling in Serie B. On Sunday evening, they travel to the San Siro sitting eighth in Serie A with genuine European qualification aspirations. AC Milan, perched atop the table with 31 points, represent the ultimate test of how far the Neroverdi have progressed since their top-flight return.
The Promotion Success Story
Sassuolo’s 20 points from 14 matches has exceeded expectations for a newly promoted side. Their plus-2 goal difference (19 scored, 17 conceded) reflects a balanced squad capable of competing at this level. Conference League qualification sits within realistic reach if current form continues.
Milan’s dominance tells a different story. The Rossoneri have conceded just 11 goals in 14 matches, the best defensive record in Serie A. Six clean sheets underline why they lead the division.
Bogey Team No More?
Sassuolo historically tormented Milan at the San Siro, producing shock victories of 5-2 and 2-1 in recent campaigns. That psychological edge evaporated in December 2024 when Milan delivered a 6-1 demolition in the Coppa Italia.
The overall head-to-head across the last 10 meetings reads 5-2-3 in Milan’s favor, with four wins by two or more goals. At the San Siro specifically, the last six encounters show three Milan victories, one draw, and two Sassuolo wins.
Early Vulnerability
Sassuolo’s away record exposes a critical weakness. In their last three road matches, they recorded W1-D0-L2, scoring just 1.00 goal while conceding 2.33 per game. More concerning: they have conceded the opening goal in all three fixtures.
Milan exploit slow starters ruthlessly. They have led at halftime in 60% of home matches this season. If Sassuolo fall behind early, history suggests recovery is unlikely.
The entertainment factor remains high regardless. Over 2.5 Goals has landed in four of Sassuolo’s last five away games, suggesting the San Siro crowd will witness action at both ends.
Berardi Question Mark
Sassuolo’s hopes hinge significantly on Domenico Berardi’s availability. The veteran forward is being carefully managed and remains doubtful. Without his creativity and finishing, Sassuolo’s attack lacks the quality required to trouble Milan’s league-leading defense.
Armand Laurienté becomes the primary outlet on the counter if Berardi misses out. Daniel Boloca is unavailable and Josh Doig serves a suspension, weakening the left defensive flank against Rafael Leão.
Milan have their own concerns. Mike Maignan faces a late fitness test on a finger injury, potentially handing Marco Sportiello a start. Ismael Bennacer (calf), Alessandro Florenzi (knee), and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also sidelined or doubtful.
The Leão Factor
The tactical battle centers on Leão against Sassuolo’s reshuffled right side. The Portuguese winger was instrumental in last season’s 6-1 victory and consistently dominates this fixture. With Doig suspended, Sassuolo must improvise defensively in precisely the area where Milan cause most damage.
Milan average 56% possession and 15.5 shots per game. Sassuolo sit at 44% and 11.2 shots, relying on counter-attacks to threaten. The question is whether they can absorb early pressure and remain in the contest long enough for opportunities to emerge.
Numbers to Watch
- 6-1: Milan’s victory margin in their last meeting (Coppa Italia, December 2024)
- 3 of 3: Sassuolo away matches where they conceded first recently
- 6: Milan’s Serie A-leading clean sheet total
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 6:00 PM CET / 5:00 PM UTC
Italy: DAZN | US: Paramount+, CBS Sports | UK: TNT Sports
