AC Milan vs Sassuolo prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2023-12-29 17:00.
AC Milan may have spent the festive period re-evaluating their Serie A (SA) aspirations, as they sit 11 points adrift of arch-rivals and leaders Inter ahead of this round. Even the most optimistic of Rossoneri fans may struggle to make an argument that they can mount a challenge for the Scudetto, even despite losing just two of their last nine matches in all competitions (W5, D2).
Boss Stefano Pioli will be grateful to be at the San Siro given that his side have won three consecutive home league matches, while they’ve conceded a joint-league low four goals on their own turf. That record could face a stern test when struggling Sassuolo come to town, as Milan have lost three consecutive SA H2Hs at this venue, including a 5-2 thumping in January!
In fact, Sassuolo haven’t lost against AC Milan in an away league match since March 2019 (W3, D1), and that’s something that boss Alessio Dionisi may look to lean on to try and arrest his side’s recent slump. The Neroverdi have won just one of their last 11 league matches (D4, L6), and consequently spent Christmas just three points clear of the dreaded drop zone.
Dionisi may be dreading a return to the road as his Sassuolo side have won just two of their last 13 such SA games (D3, L8). Closing gaps at the back could be key as they’re one of just two sides yet to keep a clean sheet in the Italian top-flight this term, but that has at least led to plenty of entertainment, underlined by their matches averaging a league-high 3.35 total goals!
Players to watch: Veteran striker Olivier Giroud has scored three times in as many H2H meetings with Sassuolo, although he emerged victorious from only one of those matches (D1, L1). The visitors’ Armand LaurientĂ© has assisted in two of his last three matches – he won and converted a penalty in the Neroverdi’s famous 5-2 victory earlier in the year.
Hot stat: 14 of the 20 goals Milan have conceded this SA season were after half-time.