Sassuolo vs Inter Prediction - Serie A: A Challenge for the Top Spot at MAPEI Stadium
Inter Milan travel to MAPEI Stadium at 00:00 on February 9, 2026, with the goal of defending their top spot in Serie A despite serious squad losses.
The match between Sassuolo and Inter, taking place at 00:00 on February 9, 2026, is the highlight of the Serie A round as the visiting team strives to defend their top spot against an opponent that has often caused surprises at the MAPEI Stadium. Inter Milan is dominating the league, but the absence of key midfielders will be a real test of the defending champions' mettle.
Current league position and form
Inter are demonstrating absolute dominance in Serie A this season, currently sitting at the top of the table. After 23 matches, the Nerazzurri have earned 55 points, creating a safe distance from the chasing pack. Their form has been incredibly consistent, with 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 league games.
Conversely, Sassuolo is currently in 11th place with 29 points. The home team is going through a period of inconsistent form, having lost 3 of their last 5 matches. However, Sassuolo is always known for its difficult playing style and its ability to upset the big teams.
| Team | Location | Point | Form (last 5 matches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter | 1 | 55 | 4 wins, 1 draw |
| Sassuolo | 11 | 29 | Win 2, Loss 3 |
Analysis of difference and attack power
Inter's attack is a nightmare in Serie A with 52 goals scored, an impressive average of 2.3 goals per game. Their defense is also remarkable, having conceded only 19 goals since the start of the season (an average of 0.8 goals per game). This demonstrates the excellent balance in the playing style that the coach is building.
Sassuolo boasts a decent attack with 27 goals, but their defense is a fatal weakness. Having conceded 29 goals in 23 matches, they are frequently at a disadvantage against opponents who are good at capitalizing on opportunities, such as Inter.
A history of dramatic confrontations.
In the past, Sassuolo has often caused difficulties for Inter. In the last five encounters, Inter won three times but also lost twice against Sassuolo. Notably, the most recent match in September 2025 ended with a narrow 2-1 victory for the Milanese side.
- September 22, 2025: Inter 2 - 1 Sassuolo
- May 5, 2024: Sassuolo 1 - 0 Inter
- September 28, 2023: Inter 1 - 2 Sassuolo
- May 14, 2023: Inter 4 - 2 Sassuolo
- December 29, 2022: Sassuolo 0 - 1 Inter
Team news: A headache for two strategists.
Both teams enter this match with significant personnel losses. Inter Milan will be without key midfielders Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu, which will directly affect their ability to control the ball and dictate the game.
The following is a list of absentees:
- Sassuolo:Daniel Boloca, Filippo Cande, Edoardo Pieragnolo (knee injury), Stefano Turati (health issue).
- Inter:Nicolo Barella (muscle injury), Hakan Calhanoglu (calf injury), Denzel Dumfries (ankle injury). Matteo Darmian's participation is uncertain due to a calf injury.
Predicting results and analyzing tactics.
Based on statistical indicators, Inter remains the favorite with a high probability of winning. However, the absence of central midfielders may force Inter to play more cautiously, prioritizing quick counter-attacks. For Sassuolo, playing at home in the MAPEI Stadium gives them hope of securing a point.
Predicted winner:Inter Milan
Team lineup updated at 23:30 on 08/02/2026
Official lineup
Sassuolo
Diagram: 4-3-3
CoachFabio Grosso
Starting lineup:
- 49. Arijanet Murić (G)
- 6. Sebastian Walukiewicz (D)
- 21. Jay Idzes (D)
- 80. Tarik Muharemović (D)
- 3. Josh Doig (D)
- 42. Kristian Thorstvedt (M)
- 18. Nemanja Matić (M)
- 90. Ismael Koné (M)
- 10. Domenico Berardi (F)
- 99. Andrea Pinamonti (F)
- 45. Armand Laurienté (F)
Substitutes:
- 12. Giacomo Satalino
- 16. Gioele Zacchi
- 23. Ulisses Garcia
- 25. Woyo Coulibaly
- 19. Filippo Romagna
- 66. Pedro Felipe
- 44. Edoardo Iannoni
- 50. Darryl Bakola
- 7. Cristian Volpato
- 11. Daniel Boloca
- 20. Alieu Fadera
- 40. Aster Vranckx
- 35. Luca Lipani
- 24. Luca Moro
- 8. M'Bala Nzola
Inter
Diagram: 3-5-2
CoachCristian Chivu
Starting lineup:
- 1. Yann Sommer (G)
- 31. Yann Bisseck (D)
- 25. Manuel Akanji (D)
- 95. Alessandro Bastoni (D)
- 11. Luís Henrique (M)
- 8. Petar Sučić (M)
- 7. Piotr Zieliński (M)
- 22. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (M)
- 32. Federico Dimarco (M)
- 9. Marcus Thuram (F)
- 10. Lautaro Martínez (F)
Substitutes:
- 12. Raffaele Di Gennaro
- 13. Josep Martínez
- 15. Francesco Acerbi
- 6. Stefan de Vrij
- 30. Carlos Augusto
- 43. Matteo Cocchi
- 16. Davide Frattesi
- 36. Matteo Darmian
- 41. Issiaka Kamate
- 17. Andy Diouf
- 14. Ange-Yoan Bonny
- 94. Francesco Pio Esposito
