Sassuolo capitalised on the absence of Luka Modric to stun AC Milan with a 2-0 victory on Sunday, stalling the Rossoneri’s pursuit of a guaranteed Champions League berth. Despite sitting third, Milan failed to cement their place in Europe’s elite competition as the hosts dominated the midfield, leaving the door ajar for the chasing pack of Juventus, Como 1907, and Roma.

It was a lackluster display from the visitors, who were outplayed by a Sassuolo side with little but pride to play for. The hosts took the lead after just four minutes through Domenico Berardi, who notched his seventh goal of the campaign with a trademark clinical finish across the goalkeeper.

It was a goal that set the tone for a dominant opening period in which Sassuolo dictated the tempo at will. Milan’s afternoon went from bad to worse in the 24th minute when Fikayo Tomori was dismissed for a second bookable offence. The defender's costly error left Massimiliano Allegri’s side shorthanded and struggling for rhythm for the remainder of the contest.

Sassuolo doubled their advantage in the 47th minute and remained in total control thereafter, comfortably moving the ball against a disjointed Milan side that lacked any creative spark. Allegri’s tactical changes failed to provide a lifeline as the visitors struggled to fashion any meaningful openings. The loss of Luka Modric, sidelined for the remainder of the season following surgery on a fractured cheekbone, proved pivotal.

Without their midfield talisman, Milan appeared rudderless and unable to exert any influence in the centre of the park. The Rossoneri must now reset for a high-stakes encounter against Atalanta at San Siro as they look to secure their top-four status, while Sassuolo travel to Torino for a mid-table clash with just three games of the season remaining.

A. Laurienté

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