In Italy’s football pyramid, meteoric rises are rare. There are few recent equivalents to a Hoffenheim of Germany’s Bundesliga or a Swansea City of the English Premier League, clubs who clambered quickly through the divisions and asserted themselves in the top tier.
Chievo did it, but their last promotion was over a decade ago.
As for small-town Sassuolo, their ascent was until last week looking like the prelude a very heavy fall.
Seven years ago, Sassuolo were in the fourth tier, Serie C2. Their promotion to Serie A in May brought a refreshing newcomer to the top table. But they looked ill-equipped.
After losing their opener 2-0 at Torino, they suffered an alarming 4-1 loss to Livorno, who they had beaten to the Serie B title four months earlier. Next up, fellow promotees Verona won 2-0. The message seemed clear: Livorno and Verona knew from past experience what was needed to survive among the big boys, while Sassuolo did not.
Then Sassuolo hosted Inter Milan, and were walloped 7-0, hardly the ideal preparation for a trip, four days later, to the ferocious San Paolo, Naples.
Eusebio di Francesco, their coach, motivated his players with examples of how much the press favoured a Napoli win. And that motivated them, even after falling a goal down. It finished 1-1.
On Sunday against Lazio, Sassuolo went two goals down. Again they came back to claim their second Serie A point. Bravo to the small-town club who have finally shown they have big hearts.
sports@thenational.ae
