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Match Readiness Report: Cremonese vs Sassuolo
1. Main Players Comparison
Cremonese
- Core: David Okereke (FW, pace & direct threat), Michele Castagnetti (CM, experienced passer), Matteo Bianchetti (CB leader).
- Midfield: Alberto Grassi (30, DM, new arrival, stability), Warren Bondo (21, CM, young engine).
- Attack: Massimo Coda (35, CF, reliable scorer at Serie B level), Alessio Zerbin (26, LW, direct dribbler, new).
- Output: Forward line reinforced with Coda + Zerbin, midfield refreshed with Bondo & Grassi.
- Stability: Heavy defensive exits (Ravanelli, Lochoshvili, Ndiaye, Quagliata, Pezzella incoming) reshape the backline.
Sassuolo
- Core: Domenico Berardi (FW, talisman – if fit), Gian Marco Ferrari (CB, defensive leadership), Andrea Consigli (GK, experience).
- Midfield: Kristian Thorstvedt (24, CM, 6G – doubtful with discomfort), Maxime Lopez-type creative pivots now thinner.
- Attack: Armand Laurienté (LW, pace & goals), Andrea Pinamonti (CF, main striker).
- Output: Frontline remains dangerous (Laurienté, Berardi, Pinamonti), but midfield depth reduced after Obiang + Abubakar departures.
- Stability: Defense strengthened with Candé, Walukiewicz, but midfield hit by exits.
2. New Players Comparison
Cremonese
- Federico Baschirotto (28, CB, aerial presence).
- Giuseppe Pezzella (27, LB, Serie A experience).
- Andrea Fulignati (30), Marco Silvestri (34), Lapo Nava (21) – GK reinforcements.
- Warren Bondo (21, CM, dynamism).
- Filippo Terracciano (22, RB, balance).
- Alessio Zerbin (26, LW, direct threat).
- Alberto Grassi (30, DM, tactical balance).
- Value: Comprehensive squad rebuild – defensive reinforcements + reliable scorers & midfield steel.
Sassuolo
- Fali Candé (27, CB, physical strength).
- Tarik Muharemović (22, CB, prospect).
- Ismaël Koné (23, CM, athletic pivot – suspended).
- Sebastian Walukiewicz (25, CB, Serie A experience).
- Alieu Fadera (23, LW, replacement for Ceide).
- Value: Clear defensive restructuring (Candé, Walukiewicz, Muharemović) plus midfield energy in Koné. Attack loses Ceide but Fadera offers width.
3. Substitutes Comparison
Cremonese
- Sub depth: Fulignati (GK), Terracciano (RB), Bondo (CM youth), Zerbin (LW rotation), Grassi (DM stability).
- Impact: Balanced bench, several rotational options for wide play and midfield stability.
- Sub potential: ~6–8 goals plus stronger defensive cover.
Sassuolo
- Sub depth: Fadera (LW), Muharemović (CB prospect), Koné (CM, suspended for this match), Laurienté/Peglow type wide attackers.
- Impact: Bench less tested; without Koné and Thorstvedt doubtful, midfield subs limited.
- Sub potential: ~5–6 goals, reliant on Laurienté and second-line wingers.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | Cremonese Rating | Sassuolo Rating |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Coda + Zerbin add goals, Grassi stabilizes midfield) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Berardi/Laurienté/Pina attack, midfield hit by doubts) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Baschirotto, Pezzella, Zerbin – strong reinforcements) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Defense reinforced, Koné suspended weakens midfield) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐ (Balanced defensive & attacking rotation) | ⭐⭐ (Bench limited by injuries/suspension) |
Overall Depth | Improved defense & attack through transfers | Attack intact, but midfield stretched |
Key Weakness | Massive turnover in defense, cohesion risk | Midfield thin with Koné suspended, Thorstvedt doubtful |
5. Injuries & Suspensions (with impact)
Cremonese
- No major first-team injuries reported.
- Arrivals ensure cover across all lines.
Sassuolo
- Dennis Tørset Johnsen – Muscle injury (out until early Sept).
- Ismaël Koné – Suspended (midfield engine unavailable).
- Kristian Thorstvedt – Doubtful with physical discomfort (key CM contributor).
- Laurs Skjellerup – Muscle injury (out until early Sept).
Impact: Sassuolo’s midfield stretched with Koné suspended and Thorstvedt uncertain. Cremonese arrive healthier and with fresher depth.
6. Predicted Outcome
- Cremonese: Heavily reinforced squad, especially defense and attack with Coda/Zerbin, likely to play structured and physical.
- Sassuolo: Strong attack (Berardi, Laurienté, Pinamonti), but midfield problems could cost balance.
Likely Result: Cremonese 1 – 1 Sassuolo