Domenico Berardi scored a hat-trick against AC Milan for the second season running to give Sassuolo a 3-2 win yesterday.
Milan had Giacomo Bonaventura and Suso sent off in the second half as their frustration boiled over, their grievances including Berardi’s first goal where replays were inconclusive as to whether the ball crossed the line.
Last season, Berardi scored four goals in a 4-3 win for Sassuolo, which led to Massimiliano Allegri being fired as Milan coach the next day.
Allegri has led Juventus to the Serie A title and Uefa Champions League final this season.
Milan's defeat left them 10th in Serie A and continued a miserable season for the club under Filippo Inzaghi. It also ensured they would be without European football for the second consecutive season.
Inzaghi’s future with the club remains uncertain, but the former Milan striker launched a plea to be allowed to continue with the club.
“I have a contract with Milan and feel honoured to be here,” he said. “Sassuolo wanted me when I was Milan’s youth coach, but I am too close to Milan and I hope to stay because I still have so much to offer.”
Berardi struck after 13 minutes when his 25-metre shot was fumbled by Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez, who clawed the ball away, only to see the goal awarded.
It was the latest goal-line controversy in Serie A, which will introduce goal-line technology from next season.
Berardi doubled Sassuolo’s lead before the half-hour, breaking clear of the offside trap to fire a left-foot shot past Lopez.
Milan hit back as Bonaventura reduced the arrears with an individual goal and defender Alex headed the equaliser early in the second half.
They appeared to be on top when Bonaventura, having been booked for dissent, was given a second yellow card for handball.
As Sassuolo fought back, Berardi had one effort blocked by Lopez but was not to be denied and turned in the winner from close range in the 77th minute.
Half-time substitute Suso was sent off for a studs-up tackle, Milan’s 12th red card of the season, as Sassuolo completed an unlikely double over Milan.
“There were two doubtful decisions, both against us. It’s only natural your heads drop when you concede a goal that didn’t actually go in,” Inzaghi said. “The second goal could have been offside, too, so it becomes difficult to react in those circumstances. The team did well to get back to 2-0, then the moment we had the game under control Bonaventura was sent off.”
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