US Sassuolo Calcio vs Hellas Verona preview - Sassuolo sights still set on safety

Posted Friday, November 28, 2014 by PA

Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco insists his side are not getting carried away by their impressive run of form as they head into Saturday's home game with Hellas Verona on a six-game unbeaten run.

Last weekend's 1-0 triumph at Torino lifted the Serie A minnows to 11th place, six points clear of the relegation zone.

Di Francesco, though, is still focused only on top-flight survival.

"We are going through a positive time," he told reporters. "We are doing well.

"I see my team improving game after game and this is an important sign.

"We must continue like this. We have to focus on our task this season which is to avoid the drop.

"We have a long way to get there."

Sassuolo, who have picked up 15 points from 12 games, have not conceded a goal in their last three league games.

Hellas are one place and one point behind their opponents after Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Fiorentina.

The result followed their 2-2 draw at Inter Milan and extended their winless run to six games.

"We need to put this defeat behind us," Hellas coach Andrea Mandorlini said. "Serie A is a difficult competition and the important thing for us is to be ready for Saturday's game at Sassuolo, which will be a difficult test.

"We need to return to winning ways as soon as possible."

Sassuolo have lost just once at home this season, while Hellas have collected six points from a possible 18 away from Verona so far.

b The visitors will be without striker Simone Zaza, who serves a one-match ban.