sassuolo vs cesena Prediction

Sassuolo host Cesena in the Coppa Italia Round of 64 on August 17 at the Mapei Stadium. The Serie A side enters the cup tie as favorites, but face a Cesena team that has impressed during pre-season preparations. Sassuolo's summer has been marked by transition under new manager Alberto Aquilani, who replaced Fabio Grosso. The hosts suffered multiple defeats in friendlies and are still adapting to their coach's tactical demands. Cesena, competing in Serie B, enjoyed a strong pre-season campaign under new boss Alessandro Diamanti, recording four wins and a draw without conceding a goal across their warm-up matches.

Form and Head-to-Head

Sassuolo's preparation has been unconvincing, winning just one of six pre-season friendlies and conceding ten goals across those matches. Key midfielder Ismael Kone remains sidelined with injury, while defender Tarik Muharemovic has departed for Leeds. Captain Domenico Berardi is also unavailable, leaving the squad short of experienced leaders. Cesena, by contrast, has built momentum under Diamanti's flexible approach. The visitors kept clean sheets in their last four friendlies and have integrated young summer signings smoothly into the squad. In recent official Coppa Italia history, Sassuolo have progressed from the first round in nine of the last ten seasons, while Cesena reached the last 16 two seasons ago before exiting at the first round last year.

Best Bet

Cesena with a +1 handicap offers value given the visitors' defensive solidity and Sassuolo's ongoing adjustment period. The hosts are fielding five inexperienced players in their starting lineup and have conceded heavily in recent friendlies. Cesena's compact defensive shape and patient approach should frustrate Sassuolo's attack. At 1xBet, this market is available at 1.41, while Melbet offers the same odds of 1.41.

Odds to Watch

A narrow Sassuolo victory remains the most likely outcome, with the quality of Andrea Pinamonti and Armand Laurienté providing a cutting edge. However, Cesena's defensive prowess suggests a low-scoring encounter. At Mostbet, a Sassuolo win is priced at 1.38, while the draw stands at 4.9. For those backing the visitors not to lose, Mostbet offers 2.76 on the double chance, reflecting genuine uncertainty about this cup tie despite the league disparity.