In Italy’s football pyramid, meteoric rises are rare. There are few recent equivalents to a Hoffenheim of Germany’s Bundesliga or a Swansea City of the English Premier League, clubs who clambered quickly through the divisions and asserted themselves in the top tier.
Chievo did it, but their last promotion was over a decade ago.
As for small-town Sassuolo, their ascent was until last week looking like the prelude a very heavy fall.
Seven years ago, Sassuolo were in the fourth tier, Serie C2. Their promotion to Serie A in May brought a refreshing newcomer to the top table. But they looked ill-equipped.
After losing their opener 2-0 at Torino, they suffered an alarming 4-1 loss to Livorno, who they had beaten to the Serie B title four months earlier. Next up, fellow promotees Verona won 2-0. The message seemed clear: Livorno and Verona knew from past experience what was needed to survive among the big boys, while Sassuolo did not.
Then Sassuolo hosted Inter Milan, and were walloped 7-0, hardly the ideal preparation for a trip, four days later, to the ferocious San Paolo, Naples.
Eusebio di Francesco, their coach, motivated his players with examples of how much the press favoured a Napoli win. And that motivated them, even after falling a goal down. It finished 1-1.
On Sunday against Lazio, Sassuolo went two goals down. Again they came back to claim their second Serie A point. Bravo to the small-town club who have finally shown they have big hearts.
sports@thenational.ae
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
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HEADLINE HERE
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THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
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Shower or bath after being outside.
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If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
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Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan