Sabasports Match Preview
Serie A: Sassuolo vs Hellas Verona
Kickoff Time: 2026-02-21 03:45 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/MATTEO CIAMBELLI
Sassuolo has recently entered a scoring spree, achieving 3 wins and 1 loss in the last 4 matches, with the defeat coming against league leaders Internazionale, making their performance quite convincing. Currently, Sassuolo has accumulated 32 points, 11 points ahead of the relegation zone, reducing their relegation pressure. During the winter transfer window, the team strengthened its squad by signing attacking midfielder Darryl Bakola from Marseille. He has made appearances in this season’s Champions League, contributing 1 assist. After half a month of training with the team, Bakola has adapted to the team’s tactics and is expected to play in this match. Additionally, the team has also loaned left-back Ulisses Garcia from Marseille, who contributed 1 assist from the bench last round, playing a key role in the victory over Udinese. The team will also welcome the return of starting defensive midfielder Nemanja Matić. Though he is already 37 years old, Matić has started 23 of the 25 matches this season, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist; his experience remains a significant asset for the team.
In contrast, Hellas Verona’s performance this season has been disappointing, currently holding a record of 2 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses, sitting at the bottom of the league table, 9 points adrift from safety, resulting in significant relegation pressure. Recently, the team has shown no form, going 10 matches without a win, with their last victory dating back to December 14 of last year against Fiorentina, another relegation rival. During the winter transfer window, striker Giovane, who had started 19 matches this season, left the team, further weakening Hellas Verona’s attacking power. This season, Giovane contributed 3 goals and 4 assists, accounting for 36.8% of the team’s goals. As a substitute, they signed striker Kieron Bowie from the Scottish Premiership, who has started the last two matches but has not made an impact, struggling to adapt to the pace of Serie A. In the last match, Hellas Verona faced relegation rival Parma, and Bowie recorded the unfortunate statistics of 0 shots, 2 turnovers, and 4 fouls. To make matters worse, another striker, Gift Orban, will miss this match due to a red card suspension; he has contributed 7 goals and 1 assist, making him the team’s top scorer. This match will see Hellas Verona’s attack facing a major overhaul.
There is a significant gap in the current form of both teams. Hellas Verona is struggling with a winless streak and is also missing key players, making it unlikely for them to pose a threat to Sassuolo. In this matchup, Sassuolo is expected to take advantage of their home ground and secure an easy victory.
Sassuolo’s Last 5 Games: WLWWL
26-02-15 Udinese 1-2 Sassuolo
26-02-09 Sassuolo 0-5 Internazionale
26-01-31 Pisa 1-3 Sassuolo
26-01-25 Sassuolo 1-0 Cremonese
26-01-18 Napoli 1-0 Sassuolo
Hellas Verona’s Last 5 Games: LDLLD
26-02-15 Parma 2-1 Hellas Verona
26-02-07 Hellas Verona 0-0 Pisa
26-02-01 Cagliari 4-0 Hellas Verona
26-01-27 Hellas Verona 1-3 Udinese
26-01-20 Cremonese 0-0 Hellas Verona
Head-to-Head Records
25-10-04 Hellas Verona 0-1 Sassuolo
24-03-03 Hellas Verona 1-0 Sassuolo
23-09-02 Sassuolo 3-1 Hellas Verona
23-04-09 Hellas Verona 2-1 Sassuolo
22-10-25 Sassuolo 2-1 Hellas Verona
Prediction: Sassuolo to Win at Home