Match Info

Competition: Coppa Italia — First Round

Date: August 17, 2026

Time: 17:30 (GMT+1) / 23:30 (GMT+7)

Venue: MAPEI Stadium – Città del Tricolore

Sassuolo Preview

Sassuolo begin their 2026-27 campaign with a regional derby against Cesena, as new head coach Alberto Aquilani takes charge of his first competitive fixture. The Neroverdi returned to Serie A last season and finished 11th, but Fabio Grosso subsequently departed for Fiorentina, leaving Aquilani with the task of building on that progress. Pre-season has offered mixed signals, with Sassuolo winning their opening friendly against Padova before losing their next five, including defeats to Celta Vigo and Augsburg. The hosts have nevertheless strengthened intelligently, while Andrea Pinamonti and Armand Lauriente remain important attacking options. (sportsmole.co.uk)

Cesena Preview

Cesena arrive with significantly stronger pre-season momentum. Alessandro Diamanti's side won four of their five friendlies without conceding a single goal, while a major squad rebuild has given the Serie B outfit renewed optimism ahead of the new campaign. Cristian Shpendi remains a key attacking threat after scoring 12 Serie B goals last season, and new signing Antonio Fiori could also feature. Cesena exited the Coppa Italia on penalties to Pisa last season, but their recent defensive solidity gives them genuine hope of causing an upset against their regional rivals. (sportsmole.co.uk)

Probable Lineups

Sassuolo (4-2-3-1)

Muric; Missori, Walukiewicz, Idzes, Doig; Matic, Thorstvedt; Berardi, Adzic, Lauriente; Pinamonti

Cesena (4-3-3)

Siano; Ciofi, Zaro, Mangraviti, Frabotta; Bisoli, Castagnetti, Schirone; Fiori, Shpendi, Caprini (sportsmole.co.uk)

We Say

Cesena's unbeaten and defensively impressive pre-season makes them a dangerous opponent, particularly with Sassuolo still adapting to a new coach. However, the hosts possess greater top-flight quality and more proven attacking options, while playing at the MAPEI Stadium should give Aquilani's side an important advantage.

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