Match Centre

The result flattered Atalanta, who were outshot and outperformed in expected goals (xG) by Sassuolo (2.73 vs 0.71). Despite Sassuolo's dominance in chance creation — 22 total shots (12 inside the box) to Atalanta's 14 — the visitors were punished for wastefulness, converting just one of their eight shots on target. Atalanta, by contrast, were ruthlessly efficient, scoring twice from seven shots on goal, with Giacomo Raspadori opening the scoring in the 6th minute and Nemanja Krstovic netting the winner in the 65th.

Sassuolo's higher xG stemmed from sustained pressure (44% possession but superior shot volume) and better-quality chances, yet their inability to test Marco Carnesecchi sufficiently proved decisive. Atalanta's substitutions, particularly Krstovic's introduction, tilted the game, as the forward scored within five minutes of coming on. The key stat: Sassuolo's xG of 2.73 dwarfed Atalanta's 0.71, underscoring their profligacy in front of goal as the decisive factor.