Eusebio Di Francesco revealed his tactical approach to neutralising Juventus” data-scaytid=”3″>Juventus, which didn’t involve man-marking Andrea Pirlo.

Eusebio Di Francesco revealed his tactical approach to neutralising Juventus, which didn’t involve man-marking Andrea Pirlo.

Bottom of the table Sassuolo” data-scaytid=”9″>Sassuolo are still without a win this season, but held leaders Juve to a surprise 1-1 draw.

“It wasn’t unexpected for me,” Coach Di Francesco told Sky Sport Italia.

“Even if there were different qualities, our tactical changes, use of strikers to attack them and our approach shows we were not afraid of taking the game to Juventus.

“We had a great attitude and hunger, while we could’ve scored more goals. I am truly happy for the players, as they work so hard and deserved this night.”

Di Francesco is a pupil of Zdenek Zeman and the 4-3-3 system, but for this game moved to 3-4-3.

“I thought if we had played with wide wingers against Juve, we’d be in real trouble. Chiellini, who usually runs with the ball to go through the middle, found his path blocked off constantly.

“I made my three forwards work with the centre-backs and Pirlo. I chose not to man-mark Pirlo, as it would mean us losing a man. If Pirlo doesn’t have the ball, Chiellini or Bonucci will take it forward, albeit without the same quality.

“We had got ahead of ourselves this season, but I always told my lads that to compete in Serie A we could not let go of certain characteristics. After all, even Juventus have the same grit and work rate as a so-called provincial side, so why shouldn’t Sassuolo?

“We have to continue on this path and add more quality, as I saw a team that kicked the ball away too often and should’ve been sharper.”

Zaza had lost his way despite scoring on international duty, but tonight scored his first Serie A goal since the opening round.

“He had a great performance before going to the Italy camp, then used up a lot of emotional and physical energy. I had hoped to build on that enthusiasm, but instead the pressure weighed on him.

“Simone was relaxed tonight and it showed. I do want him to avoid things like the yellow card and always having his hands raised to complain to the referee, as that’s an irritating attitude. He needs to stop doing that if he wants to step up to a top club.”

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