Sassuolo vs Cesena: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

Serie A clubs traditionally kick off their new campaigns by locking horns in the national cup competition, and this year’s first round has handed Sassuolo a particularly awkward opponent. Cesena have bolstered their ranks with promising youngsters and stormed through pre-season without a single defeat. The question now is whether the modest visitors can carry that momentum into a do-or-die knockout clash.

Tactical Analysis: Sassuolo

Sassuolo emerged from the purgatory of Serie B last season and managed to cling onto their top-flight status for the 2025/26 campaign. But change was inevitable. Fabio Grosso vacated the managerial hotseat, making way for Alberto Aquilani. The 42-year-old coach isn’t wedded to a single formation, but he firmly believes in control and attacking dominance – a philosophy that stands in stark contrast to Grosso’s approach. As a result, the squad is still trying to get to grips with the new demands. There has also been a significant departure: key centre-back Tarik Muharemovic (2 goals, 2 assists in 32 appearances last season) has left the club.

These upheavals have immediately shown up in results. Across six friendlies, Sassuolo managed only one victory – a 4-1 win over Serie B side Padova. Their most recent outings ended in heavy defeats, with the defence leaking goals against Celta Vigo (1-4) and Augsburg (2-3). Two factors explain this slump. First, Ismail Kone – the midfielder who provided stability and balance in the centre of the park – is still recovering from a serious injury. Second, the players are still adapting. Against Augsburg, Sassuolo fielded five newcomers or players with no first-team experience in the starting XI. In the Coppa Italia, however, the Neroverdi have a solid record: over the past ten seasons, they have failed to get past the first round only once.

Tactical Analysis: Cesena

Cesena are about to begin their 12th consecutive campaign outside the Italian top flight. At the end of last season, the team managed just one win in 15 matches and remained in Serie B. That dismal run did not go unnoticed by the board, prompting a summer change in the dugout. Alessandro Diamanti now leads the “sea horses”. The 43-year-old coach is highly flexible, encourages his players to express themselves, and does not stifle their creative instincts. Diamanti’s magnetic personality has helped him build a quick rapport with the squad, as the friendly results show. In five pre-season games, Cesena recorded four wins – and crucially, all opponents were from lower divisions, meaning the Bianconeri did not concede a single goal.

New arrivals have also settled in immediately. The summer transfer window brought in centre-back Mihajlo Milic (formerly of Anderlecht), left-winger Maat Caprini, midfielder Riccardo Pagano, and striker Alessandro Debenedetti – all three of whom previously played in Serie B. Notably, none of these players are older than 25, which has allowed them to slot seamlessly into the coach’s flexible philosophy. Pagano has already found the net. Cesena’s Coppa Italia form is respectable: in 2023/24 they cleared the first round, in 2024/25 they sensationally reached the round of 16, and last season they were eliminated at the first hurdle but held Serie A side Pisa to a 0-0 draw in normal time before losing on penalties (1-2 after spot-kicks).

Predicted Lineups

Sassuolo (4-2-3-1): Muric – Missori, Odenthal, Macchioni, Doig – Iannoni, Matic – Pierini, Volpato, Kyerwo – Pinamonti Injured: Berardi, Kone, Sande, Pieragnolo, Boloca Head coach: Alberto Aquilani

Cesena (4-3-3): Siano – Ciofi, Zaro, Mangraviti, David – Bisoli, Castagnetti, Pagano – Druiventak, Spendi, Caprini Injured: Kinsmann, Rossetti Head coach: Alessandro Diamanti

Prediction and Bet

Sassuolo are still getting accustomed to their new manager’s ideas and cannot rely on several key figures. Besides Kone, captain Domenico Berardi – the team’s on-field leader – will also miss this match. The starting XI will feature newcomers in every department, and they have yet to develop chemistry with their teammates. As a result, the Neroverdi have been conceding far too easily – ten goals shipped in six friendlies tell the story. Meanwhile, Cesena’s coach and players have already built a strong understanding. All of their top performers are available, confidence is high after an impressive pre-season, and the inclusion of hungry young talent in the starting eleven will pose problems for a home side that will try to dominate possession. Given that the “sea horses” have proven they can compete on equal terms with top-flight opposition, a bet on Cesena not to lose at odds of 2.47 looks appealing.

As for goals, Cesena averaged 2.4 per game during their summer friendlies. With Sassuolo conceding 1.6 per match in pre-season, the visitors should create chances. It is also hard to doubt that the hosts will find the net – their players possess higher individual quality, and the team’s average of 1.1 goals per friendly only reinforces that expectation. Therefore, both teams to score – Yes at 1.64 is a solid selection.