Beppe Iachini had a novel solution for Sassuolo’s penalty problems, but assures they “deserved our victory” against Sampdoria.
The Neroverdi earned a surprise 1-0 result at Marassi thanks to Alessandro Matri’s last-minute goal, after Emiliano Viviano had saved a Matteo Politano penalty.
Beppe Iachini had a novel solution for Sassuolo’s penalty problems, but assures they “deserved our victory” against Sampdoria.
The Neroverdi earned a surprise 1-0 result at Marassi thanks to Alessandro Matri’s last-minute goal, after Emiliano Viviano had saved a Matteo Politano penalty.
“I want to thank the Sampdoria fans for their chants in my favour today, it’s always nice to know you left positive memories and that touches the heart,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“I’m almost sorry I beat them today, but we came here with great humility, because Samp are the real revelation of the season.
“We’ve only been working together for three weeks and I hope that with that work, the team can carry on improving. We played with many vertical passes, running into space. We’ve always been dangerous at pace and in the first half we weren’t determined enough, but did remain balanced and solid. We allowed very little.”
Iachini proved decisive for the victory, as substitutes Antonino Ragusa and Matri combined for the goal.
“A Coach studies the games and tries to prepare as best he can. The changes can and must make a difference. Those who came on did well straight away and that too is part of the gameplan.”
Sassuolo should’ve been given another penalty for Lucas Torreira’s handling offence on the rebound from the saved spot-kick.
“It looked like handball to me, but I don’t want to comment on these things. The lads were understandably a little shaken after that, but got straight back on point. We deserved our victory on the field.”
The save on Politano does mean Sassuolo have failed to convert five of their last seven penalties.
“Now I’ll change and get the defenders to take them,” joked Iachini.