Sassuolo vs Inter: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 8.02.2026
One of the matches of Serie A's 24th round will take place on Sunday in Sassuolo, where the local side will host league leaders Inter Milan at the Mapei Stadium. Here’s my take on the likely outcome, based on both teams’ form and their performances against opponents of different calibers.
Match preview
Sassuolo ended January on a high note, racking up back-to-back Serie A wins against struggling Cremonese and bottom-dwellers Pisa. Those six points helped the Neroverdi firmly secure a mid-table position, a stark contrast to their preceding seven-match winless run. However, even when favored, Sassuolo often struggle against teams of similar stature – slip-ups against Torino and Parma are clear evidence of that.
Matches against the league’s giants are a different story altogether. Against top-six clubs, Sassuolo have barely picked up any points, with a lone draw against Milan being the exception. Even if they avoid heavy defeats, it’s clear they can’t impose themselves and usually play second fiddle – just as they did in the reverse fixture against Inter (1-2).
Inter continue their relentless march towards the Scudetto, coming into this round on an 11-game unbeaten streak in Serie A – ten of those ending in victory. The only blemish was a home draw with Napoli (2-2), after which Cristian Chivu’s men immediately got back on track. In the midweek Coppa Italia, Inter saw off Torino while rotating their squad, keeping their key players fresh.
Inter are especially impressive away from home. In 11 road games, they’ve picked up 27 out of a possible 33 points – the best away record in the league. The Nerazzurri rarely blow opponents away, but their cold-blooded pragmatism stands out: they score consistently and give up very few chances at the back.
Probable lineups
- Sassuolo: Muric, Doig, Garcia, Idzes, Walukiewicz, Kone, Matic, Thorstvedt, Laurienté, Pinamonti, Berardi.
- Inter: Sommer, Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni, Henrique, Sučić, Zieliński, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Martínez, Thuram.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings between Sassuolo and Inter.
- Inter have the best away record in Serie A this season in terms of points won.
- Sassuolo have only picked up points once this season against a top-six side.
Prediction
Wins over the league’s strugglers have boosted Sassuolo’s confidence, but the gulf in class and consistency compared to the league leaders is still obvious. Inter know how to win away games like this without unnecessary risk – controlling proceedings and finishing off their opponents thanks to superior attacking quality. Expect a pragmatic victory for the visitors.
