Sassuolo 2-1 Torino: Berardi's talismanic touch settles it

When Sassuolo need a moment of quality, they still look to the same man. Domenico Berardi produced the decisive strike in the 78th minute to see off Torino 2-1, a goal that carried all the composure of a player who has been his club's talisman for years. In a game finely balanced at 1-1, it was fitting that the difference came from Sassuolo's most important footballer — the one they trust to settle exactly these kinds of afternoons.

The expected-goals figures could hardly have been closer — 1.12 for Sassuolo against 1.15 for Torino — underlining just how evenly matched this contest was. Cristian Volpato had put the hosts ahead in the 32nd minute with a smart finish, only for Pietro Comuzzo to level right on half-time. From there the game hung in the balance, both sides trading chances without either landing the decisive blow, until Berardi stepped up. When two teams are this close, it often takes an individual of real quality to break the deadlock.

Berardi took the headlines, but Volpato's opener deserves credit too. The young forward's goal set the tone for a positive Sassuolo display, and the hosts registered 19 shots to Torino's 10 across the ninety minutes — evidence of a side willing to take the initiative at home. Torino keeper made five saves to keep his team in it, a reminder that Sassuolo's threat was persistent even before Berardi found the winner. This was a home team that earned its victory through sustained pressure.

For Sassuolo, this is a valuable win over a Serie A side that will fancy itself in the mid-table race, and one built on the reliable excellence of their captain. Torino will feel they matched their hosts for long spells — the xG numbers agree — but they lacked a Berardi of their own to tilt the balance. In tight games decided by the smallest margins, having a proven matchwinner is often the difference between a point and none.