Despite a 100 per cent record in Serie A and 2-1 win over Pescara, Eusebio Di Francesco admits European football is getting to Sassuolo.

Gregoire Defrel and Domenico Berardi were on target just days after a Europa League play-off with Red Star Belgrade.

“We played many games in a row and I haven’t made many changes, but that really started to take its toll this evening,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

Despite a 100 per cent record in Serie A and 2-1 win over Pescara, Eusebio Di Francesco admits European football is getting to Sassuolo.

Gregoire Defrel and Domenico Berardi were on target just days after a Europa League play-off with Red Star Belgrade.

“We played many games in a row and I haven’t made many changes, but that really started to take its toll this evening,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“Pescara were far sharper than us and we were slow, even distracted. I guess this is a learning curve for me too, as I will need to rotate the squad more carefully in future.

“The only alibi I can think of is that we returned from Belgrade at 5am on Friday morning. After that first half-hour, I would’ve gladly substituted seven or eight players.

“Pescara played very well, but I liked my team much better in the second half and, apart from the Rey Manaj goal, we allowed them very little.

“I have to compliment Pescara, as they came here with the right attitude and really took the game to us.”

Berardi went off injured, but it’s hoped the sprain is not too serious.

“I hope people notice that he’s not just scoring goals, but his whole attitude and performance has vastly improved.”

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