Spot-on Sassuolo stun leaders Inter

AFP: Sassuolo striker Domenico Berardi hit a last-gasp penalty to stun Inter Milan 1-0 and leave the Serie A leaders at risk of losing top spot on Sunday. Roberto Mancini’s men welcomed Sassuolo looking to build on last week’s 1-0 win at Empoli, which kept the Inter top with a one-point lead over Fiorentina and Napoli.

But Mancini had warned of the danger posed by Eusebio Di Francesco’s visitors, and the Italian who led the Milan outfit to three consecutive league titles in his previous spell in charge was spot on.

Inter failed to build on a solid start when Mauro Icardi and Adem Ljajic missed clear chances inside the opening three minutes.

The hosts were undone at the last-gasp when Brazilian defender Miranda hauled down Berardi in the final minute of added-on time.

Berardi made no mistake from the penalty spot, firing over the body of Slovenian ‘keeper Samir Handanovic to secure a famous win for Sassuolo, who leapfrog AC Milan into sixth place to sit eight points off the pace.

Inter remain top with a one-point lead on Fiorentina, who suffered a shock 3-1 defeat on Saturday to Lazio, although Napoli, in third also a point off the pace, can reclaim top spot with a win away to Frosinone later in the day.

The defeat will also be welcomed by Juventus, although champions – in fourth at three points off the pace – face a tough away trip to Sampdoria in Sunday’s late fixture.