Domenico Berardi’s return delivered a goal and an own goal as Sassuolo beat rock-bottom Pisa 3-1. Betting angle: Berardi looks a strong anytime-scorer pick and punters might back Sassuolo on Asian -0.5/-1 or as narrow favourites in their next away match given his form and the team’s counter threat.
Berardi’s Return Powers Sassuolo to 3-1 Victory at Pisa
Match overview
Domenico Berardi marked his first start in the Serie A since November 28 with a decisive display, opening the scoring and provoking an own goal as Sassuolo claimed a 3-1 win over bottom-placed Pisa at the Arena Garibaldi. Ismaël Koné sealed the win late in the second half after Michel Aebischer had briefly pulled Pisa back into contention.
Key moments
25' — Berardi broke the deadlock, cutting in from the right and finishing into the roof of the net with his weaker foot.
45+1' — Antonio Caracciolo turned a Berardi cross into his own net to make it 2-0 for the visitors.
51' — Pisa responded early in the second half when Michel Aebischer smashed a strike into the top corner.
59' — Nemanja Matic set up Ismaël Koné, who finished smartly from close range to restore a two-goal cushion. Moments of controversy included a VAR review that ruled a challenge just outside the box, overturning a potential penalty, and a near red-card incident involving Sassuolo’s goalkeeper that was negated by an offside call.
Tactical notes
Sassuolo exploited the counter on the break, with Berardi’s movement on the right creating space and chances. Pisa had spells of pressure after the break and produced several openings, but defensive lapses and a misdirected clearance proved costly. Sassuolo’s midfield link-up, particularly through Kristian Thorstvedt and Nemanja Matic, helped transition quickly from defence to attack.
Lineups and changes
Berardi returned to lead the Sassuolo attack alongside Armand Lauriente and Ismaël Koné. Pisa’s coach made a triple change at half-time, which injected urgency and led to Aebischer’s goal. Key substitutes impacted the tempo but could not overturn Sassuolo’s clinical moments.
Match statistics (Pisa vs Sassuolo)
Possession: 54–46
Total shots: 15–21
Shots on target: 6–5
Shots off target: 7–10
Blocked shots: 2–6
Corners: 2–5
Fouls: 13–8
What this result means
The victory lifts Sassuolo’s confidence and underscores Berardi’s importance to their attacking output. For Pisa, the loss keeps pressure on a team struggling at the foot of the table; moments of individual quality were not enough to erase defensive errors.
Betting implications
Berardi’s immediate impact makes him a sensible anytime-scorer selection in short-term markets. Sassuolo’s effectiveness on the break suggests they can be favoured in close away matches; backing Sassuolo on Asian handicap -0.5 (or -0.5/-1 where available) or an away win in similar fixtures may offer value. Punters should consider team news and injuries before committing.
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Domenico Berardi made the ideal return to the starting XI, scoring and forcing an own...
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