In a thrilling encounter at the Braglia Stadium, Modena put up a valiant fight against league leaders Sassuolo but ultimately succumbed to a 1-3 defeat on April 12, 2025. The match, attended by over 13,000 fans, showcased the intensity of a classic Emilia-Romagna derby, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance.
The first half kicked off with high energy, as Modena's Palumbo attempted to find Gliozzi with a precise cross, but the forward failed to make solid contact. Sassuolo quickly responded, with Berardi testing Modena's goalkeeper Gagno with a free kick that went just wide at the 6-minute mark. In the 12th minute, Toljan’s miscalculated cross turned into a dangerous shot that forced Gagno into a remarkable save.
Despite Modena's efforts to create chances, Sassuolo struck first at the 37th minute. Berardi capitalized on a defensive error from Modena, scoring with a close-range effort that put the visitors ahead. Modena, however, was not deterred and almost equalized right before halftime when Di Pardo's powerful diagonal shot was saved by Moldovan.
The second half began with Modena looking to level the score. Just five minutes in, Palumbo had a chance from the edge of the box but missed the target. Nevertheless, Modena found their equalizer in the 60th minute when Santoro skillfully controlled the ball on the left before firing a precise shot that beat Moldovan, making it 1-1.
Only four minutes later, Sassuolo responded decisively. Laurienté unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box that nestled into the corner of the net, restoring Sassuolo's lead at 2-1. The momentum shifted back to Sassuolo, who continued to press for a third goal.
In the 76th minute, Sassuolo extended their lead when Iannoni's central run set up Moro, who turned sharply in the box and slotted the ball past Gagno, making it 3-1. Modena fought back bravely, with Palumbo coming close to scoring again, but his shot grazed the post.
As the match approached its final moments, Modena managed to score what they thought was a second goal. Zaro headed in from a corner taken by Palumbo, but the referee disallowed the goal after VAR review, citing a foul by Zaro on Muharemovic during the buildup.
Throughout the match, Sassuolo's goalkeeper Moldovan was a standout performer, earning a rating of 7+ for his crucial saves, particularly in the first half against Gliozzi and Di Pardo. His counterpart, Gagno, also had his moments, notably saving a close-range effort from Palumbo in the second half.
Defensively, Sassuolo's Romagna and Muharemovic were solid, both receiving ratings of 7 for their contributions to the team's success. Toljan, who provided the assist for Laurienté's goal, was rated at 6.5, showing improvement compared to previous matches.
On the attacking front, Domenico Berardi shined with an 8 rating, not only scoring the opening goal but also demonstrating leadership throughout the match. His determination and skill were evident as he consistently threatened Modena's defense.
Luca Moro, who scored Sassuolo's third goal, was rated 7+, showcasing his ability to influence the game significantly after starting as a forward. Laurienté also impressed with a 7.5 rating, highlighting his growth during the match and his vital role in securing the win.
Despite the loss, Modena’s Santoro earned praise for his equalizing goal and was a key player in the midfield, while Palumbo's efforts on the wing kept Sassuolo's defense on their toes.
With this victory, Sassuolo is edging closer to a direct promotion to Serie A, needing just a few more points to secure their place in the top tier of Italian football. The team's performance against Modena showcased their resilience and attacking prowess, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.
The match was officiated by referee Alberto Santoro, with assistants Thomas Miniutti and Matteo Pressato. The attendance was recorded at 13,340, including 1,289 traveling Sassuolo fans who made the trip to support their team.
As the dust settles on this derby clash, Sassuolo will look to build on this momentum as they aim for promotion, while Modena will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures to climb the standings.
