Sassuolo vs Cremonese on January 25
On January 25, Serie A will feature an intriguing mid-table clash between Sassuolo and Cremonese at the Mapei Stadium. With both teams having had a relatively mixed start to their 2025 campaign, this fixture promises to be a crucial one for both sides as they seek to maintain their respective league positions. While the stakes may not involve a direct race for the title, this match is important for both teams' hopes of securing a top-half finish or avoiding relegation troubles. As the season progresses, every point counts, and this encounter is likely to play a significant role in shaping the direction of both teams’ campaigns.
Sassuolo: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Heading into this match, Sassuolo has shown glimpses of their attacking potential but remains inconsistent. In their last five matches, the Neroverdi have posted a record of 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Despite their struggles, their offensive play has remained dynamic, with a focus on high pressing and quick transitions. Sassuolo's typical setup is a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows them to control possession while remaining flexible on the break. They are particularly effective in the final third, with the wide forwards cutting inside and the full-backs overlapping to stretch the opposition defense.
In terms of statistics, Sassuolo ranks 7th in Serie A for possession (average 55%), but they stand out in their ability to press the ball high. Their pressing success rate is one of the highest in the league, with 38.2% of their pressing actions occurring in the opposition’s final third. This aggressive style creates opportunities for turnovers and quick counters, though it also leaves them vulnerable to counter-attacks, especially when the press is bypassed. Their xG (expected goals) per match stands at 1.45, reflecting their ability to create high-quality chances despite occasional struggles in front of goal.
Key players for Sassuolo include their star winger Domenico Berardi, whose dribbling and creativity remain pivotal for their attacking transitions. Berardi has been involved in 5 goals in the last 5 games (3 goals, 2 assists), and his direct running at defenders can unsettle any defensive unit. In the midfield, Davide Frattesi offers balance with his box-to-box work rate and ability to break forward. However, Sassuolo will be without captain Gian Marco Ferrari due to suspension, a significant blow to their defensive stability.
Cremonese: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Cremonese comes into this match in a perilous position, with only 1 win from their last 5 outings. Their record during this stretch consists of 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses. The newly promoted side has largely relied on a 3-5-2 formation, designed to ensure defensive solidity while providing width in attack. Cremonese’s focus is on maintaining a compact defensive shape and hitting their opponents on the counter, using quick vertical passes to release their strikers. Their low possession style, averaging just 42% in Serie A, forces them to absorb pressure before launching fast-paced counters.
Defensively, Cremonese has struggled to contain high pressing teams, allowing 1.68 goals per match on average. Their xG against per game is also a concerning 1.60, meaning they tend to concede chances at an alarming rate. The team’s pressing game is not as intense as Sassuolo’s, often preferring to sit deep and compact rather than engage high up the pitch. This could play into Sassuolo’s hands, as the Neroverdi will have more of the ball and might exploit space in the wide areas.
On the offensive front, Cremonese has struggled to create clear chances, with an average xG of just 0.94 per match. Their main attacking threat comes from striker Cyriel Dessers, who has been involved in 3 goals in the last 5 games (2 goals, 1 assist). Dessers’ ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play will be critical for Cremonese as they try to impose themselves on the counter. The absence of central midfielder Marco Benassi, who is sidelined through injury, could have a significant impact on their ability to control the midfield and sustain attacks.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The head-to-head record between Sassuolo and Cremonese has been somewhat evenly matched in recent years. Over their last five encounters, Sassuolo holds a slight advantage with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. However, the nature of these clashes has been tightly contested, with many matches being decided by narrow margins or key individual moments. In their most recent meeting earlier this season, Sassuolo emerged victorious 2-1, but the game was a reflection of Cremonese's resilience despite their low possession.
Psychologically, Sassuolo enters this fixture as the stronger team on paper, but their inconsistencies mean they are vulnerable to an upset. Cremonese, on the other hand, will feel the weight of the relegation battle pressing on them. With their ability to frustrate and hit on the counter, they may fancy their chances of shocking Sassuolo if the hosts lose concentration or get caught in the transition.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most intriguing duels will be the battle between Sassuolo's full-backs and Cremonese’s wide players. The two Sassuolo full-backs, Mert Müldür and Rogerio, are key in their attacking system, regularly pushing forward to provide width. However, this leaves gaps behind them, and Cremonese’s wingers, such as Emanuele Valeri, will look to exploit these spaces on the counter. How Sassuolo’s full-backs balance their offensive runs with defensive duties will be crucial in preventing Cremonese from finding dangerous opportunities in transition.
In the midfield, the matchup between Frattesi and Cremonese’s Filippo Sensi will be critical. Frattesi’s ability to control the tempo and break forward will be put to the test against Sensi, who is tasked with breaking up play and linking up with the attack. If Cremonese can disrupt Sassuolo’s build-up play and stifle Frattesi’s influence, they may be able to gain control of the midfield battle.
Finally, the battle between the two strikers—Berardi for Sassuolo and Dessers for Cremonese—could be a decisive one. Berardi's dribbling and finishing make him a constant threat, while Dessers' hold-up play and ability to score from set pieces could cause problems for the Sassuolo defense, particularly with Ferrari absent.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the styles of play and recent form, this match is likely to feature plenty of attacking intent from Sassuolo, with Cremonese sitting deep and looking to counter. Sassuolo will dominate possession, but they may struggle to break down the compact defensive shape of Cremonese. However, if Sassuolo can sustain pressure and stretch Cremonese’s defense, they should eventually create enough chances to secure a win.
Expect Sassuolo to win the possession battle, likely seeing over 55% of the ball, but the match will be decided by moments of individual brilliance from players like Berardi. Cremonese, while dangerous on the counter, will struggle to hold onto the ball long enough to create sustained pressure. The key for Cremonese will be to disrupt Sassuolo’s build-up and exploit any lapses in concentration at the back.
Prediction: Sassuolo 2-1 Cremonese. Sassuolo’s attacking quality should edge them past a resilient Cremonese, but it will be a tight, competitive game. Expect over 2.5 goals, with both teams scoring.
Final Thoughts
This encounter offers a fascinating tactical battle between Sassuolo's high pressing, possession-based game and Cremonese's counter-attacking approach. With both teams needing points for different reasons, it promises to be an entertaining affair. The main question this match will answer is whether Sassuolo can break down a stubborn defense or whether Cremonese’s counter-attacks will prove decisive in their quest for survival.
