Sassuolo struck twice in a devastating five-minute spell before the break to secure a commanding 3-0 win over Verona on Friday, worsening the visitors’ relegation troubles in Serie A.
Verona arrived at the Mapei Stadium rooted to the bottom of the table and winless in 11 league outings, level on points with Pisa.
Both sides remain nine points adrift of safety, while Pisa face a crucial test on Monday against Fiorentina — the side sitting six points above them in the final safe position.
Andrea Pinamonti set the tone for Sassuolo when his effort took a deflection and found the net for the opener. Moments later, Domenico Berardi doubled the advantage.
The Verona goalkeeper initially denied him from the penalty spot, but Berardi reacted quickest to tuck home the rebound.
The Italian forward put the result beyond doubt 17 minutes after the restart, finishing off a swift counterattack to complete his brace.
To compound Verona’s misery, Al Musrati received his marching orders five minutes from time after picking up a second yellow card.
The victory continues Sassuolo’s impressive run of form, with 12 points collected from their last five matches, lifting them two places up to eighth in the standings.
