Roberto De Zerbi wants Sassuolo to always play with the “ferocity” shown against Roma and admits he has a similar style to Paulo Fonseca.
The Neroverdi put on a masterclass in the opening 30 minutes to go 3-0 up, then just as Edin Dzeko and a Jordan Veretout penalty put Roma back in it, Jeremie Boga thumped a rocket into the far top corner for 4-2.
“It all worked for us tonight, but the intention is to always play this style of football,” the coach told DAZN.
Roberto De Zerbi wants Sassuolo to always play with the “ferocity” shown against Roma and admits he has a similar style to Paulo Fonseca.
The Neroverdi put on a masterclass in the opening 30 minutes to go 3-0 up, then just as Edin Dzeko and a Jordan Veretout penalty put Roma back in it, Jeremie Boga thumped a rocket into the far top corner for 4-2.
“It all worked for us tonight, but the intention is to always play this style of football,” the coach told DAZN.
“We defended with more focus than usual this evening and I think it’s wonderful for all of Italian football that we have a coach like Fonseca in Serie A who has given a specific identity to the team.
“Our approaches are similar, we don’t want possession for the sake of it, but to move forward. Our performance at the Olimpico wasn’t too dissimilar, it’s just that we tended to concede when losing possession, basically what we did to them tonight.
“This was a complete performance from Sassuolo, one with determination in the press and ferocity on the ball. As soon as I got back into the dressing room, I told the lads they have to prove who we are once and for all next week against SPAL.
“I think there are reasons – and I hope my players don’t hear this – why we are so inconsistent. These are quite young players, they are in a city that doesn’t put much pressure on them, but that can also mean they get distracted when the other team has the ball.
“They need to demand more of themselves, and if they do that, this team has no limits.
“We need to become strong in terms of mentality. Talent isn’t everything, you need that attitude when it’s attacking, dribbling, shooting, all of it. There has to be determination in every move and not just when defending.
“If we are to step up a level, we have to be obsessive about every detail, not letting anything go.”