If it wasn't for the incredible exploits at the top end of the table by Atalanta, Roberto De Zerbi's Sassuolo may well be getting all the plaudits as everyone's favourite underdog story.
De Zerbi had the unenviable task of following Eusebio Di Francesco who guided this modest club to the dizzy heights of 6th place and European qualification but he has done an admirable job in slowly building the Neroverdi back up towards that level.
It wasn't a great start to the season with 6 defeats from their first 9 Serie A matches and a likely relegation fight on their hands but they stabilised themselves with some very respectable results going into the new year, picking up points away from home at Juventus and Milan whilst beating Roma 4-2.
It looked as though the Coronavirus pandemic came at a bad time for Sassuolo after they were thrashed at Atalanta in their first game back after the lockdown. However, they went unbeaten in their next 8 league matches to remain in contention for Europe. The likes of Milan and Roma showed their extra experience and nous by finishing the season strongly and the De Zerbi's men had to settle for 8th but not many would have tipped them to finish in the top half alone.
The most impressive part of Sassuolo's exploits is the style in which they've done it. They play one of the most attractive brands of football in the country with a scintillating forward line. Domenico Berardi has often carried the burden up front and he had another fine season but this time he had a stellar supporting cast. Francesco Caputo came in from Empoli and struck 21 goals - only behind Ciro Immobile, Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku in the scoring charts. Some company to keep. Jeremie Boga was the breakout star with some dynamic and devastating displays on the left wing.
While Sassuolo scored a record 69 goals in Serie A, they also conceded 63 and the defence remains the main area of weakness that will hold them back from going further. That is something that De Zerbi will hope to address in the off-season.
