Sassuolo vs Cesena Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Things are now starting to look up for Sassuolo, after claiming four points from their opening two fixtures of 2017. They’ve also been boosted by their returning stars, with highly rated forward Domenico Berardi making his first start since August last weekend. The Neroverdi should be able to move away from the relegation zone in the second half of the season, but could they also make this a season to remember by winning the Coppa Italia?

Sassuolo have been handed a favourable draw this week, as they face Serie B side Cesena for a place in the quarter-finals. The visitors are having a poor season themselves, as they come here in 18th place in the second tier, which puts them on course for a spot in the relegation play-offs. While they did shock Serie A side Empoli in the last round, it’s going to take a huge effort for the Bianconero to pull off a similar upset at the MAPEI this week.

A shock here would have been possible not too long ago, as Sassuolo ended 2016 with a run of five straight defeats. They also claimed just one win in 16 towards the end of last year. However, their 4-1 victory over Palermo on Sunday shows that they’re back on course, and those three points lifted them away from danger.

The hosts should be able to continue that form against Cesena, who are yet to record an away win in the league. They’ve lost 73% of their Serie B trips, scoring just 0.64 goals per game on average. To make matters worse, the Bianconero’s last game was a 3-0 defeat at Hellas Verona at the end of December. That’s a pretty big break between games, which isn’t likely to help them here.

It’s easy to see why Sassuolo are heavy favourites to see off their second tier opponents. We think it’s worth backing a heavy win for the Neroverdi, given that 60% of their home league victories have been by two goals or more. Cesena have scored just 30% of their goals away, conceding 75% of their total goals against on the road. That should see the Serie A side claim a comfortable victory, and we’re backing them with a -1.0 Asian Handicap, which is priced at 1.900 with bet365.