Sassuolo extends unbeaten home run as Fiorentina misses opportunity
Fiorentina took an early lead but was unable to increase the pressure on the top two in Serie A as it drew with Sassuolo.
Sassuolo extended its unbeaten home run in Serie A to 10 games with a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina at the Mapei Stadium on Tuesday (AEDT).
Paulo Sousa's side raced into an early lead when Josip Ilicic's cross was helped on to Borja Valero by Giuseppe Rossi, with the Spaniard slotting past Andrea Consigli in the fifth minute.
The Sassuolo goalkeeper produced a great stop to keep Ilicic at bay midway through the half, though he needed the help of his defence to scramble clear.
The hosts' head coach, Eusebio Di Francesco, was unable to call upon Domenico Berardi because of a suspension for the player, but his replacement, Sergio Floccari, sent a header through the hands of Ciprian Tatarusanu to equalise shortly before the interval.
There were chances for a winner in the second half, but Gregoire Defrel was unable to convert the chance that fell his way and Fiorentina was denied a late penalty for an alleged handball by Matteo Politano.
Fiorentina missed the chance to apply pressure on the top two – Napoli and Inter – who met later on Tuesday, while Sassuolo are now sixth, level with seventh-placed Milan 23 points.
Napoli defeated Inter 2-1 to seal its place at the top of the table in a thrilling contest.
