Sassuolo, promoted as Serie B champions, are comfortably mid-table, defying expectations. Their recent form includes a 2-1 win against Cagliari, with goals from Andrea Pinamonti and Armand Lauriente. Sassuolo's home form has been decent, winning and losing twice while scoring and conceding four goals each time.
Genoa, on the other hand, is in crisis, winless in nine league games, leading to the sacking of Patrick Vieira. They have struggled with late lapses in concentration, conceding more than half of their goals in the final half-hour. Domenico Criscito faces a tough task as caretaker coach.
Rising star Volpato seeks to make an impact, especially if Berardi is not fully fit. Pinamonti has a good record against his former club, Genoa, scoring in both of his last two league meetings.