Iachini demands clinical Sassuolo

Beppe Iachini believes Sassuolo will beat Atalanta if they can “finish off more of the chances we create,” but isn’t concerned by Matteo Politano speculation.

The Neroverdi have been transformed since Iachini replaced Cristian Bucchi on the bench and hopes to continue that momentum at the Mapei Stadium.

“It’ll be a different game from the draw with Torino last week, as Atalanta have a very different tactical approach. They’ve been working with Gian Piero Gasperini for 18 months now and have made the most of that mix between youth and experience in the squad.

“We must have the utmost concentration, organisation and clinical finishing in order to get the result. We must be perfect. If we can build on our recent performances and finish off more of the chances we create, then that’ll be a fundamental step forward.

“Atalanta are a very aggressive side who press you in one-on-one situations, so we must do even better in reading the game and shaking off markers. We worked a lot on that in training.”

Iachini was also asked about the reports of Politano being at the centre of a bidding war between Napoli and Juventus.

“The Politano issue is not a distraction, we are just evaluating how he has recovered from an intestinal virus that left him a little weakened. Personally, I am not paying much attention to what the papers say, as the players know they must give 200 per cent for the team, club and fans.”

Sassuolo have been active on the market and Mauricio Lemos is in the squad ready for his debut after a transfer from Las Palmas.

“He’ll have to work in order to get into our defensive movements, as he comes from a very different team, while there is also the language barrier. We’ll be working over the next few weeks to get him up to speed as quickly as possible.”

Sassuolo squad for Atalanta: Consigli, Marson, Pegolo; Lemos, Peluso, Acerbi, Lirola, Goldaniga, Rogerio, Adjapong; Magnanelli, Mazzitelli, Missiroli, Biondini, Sensi, Cassata, Duncan; Matri, Falcinelli, Scamacca, Politano, Pierini, Berardi, Ragusa

See the latest Serie A predictions and betting tips with Eurotips.co.uk