It’s ’suolo going wrong for champs
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AC MILAN’S woeful start to the year went from bad to worse yesterday — potentially putting title-winning coach Stefano Pioli’s job at risk.
Milan were humiliated 5-2 at San Siro by Sassuolo to leave the champions without a win in six matches.
Next up is the derby against Inter Milan next Sunday.
It was the first time in Milan’s history that they have conceded four goals in successive Serie A matches after losing 4-0 at Lazio midweek.
It was also the first time since 1997 that Milan have conceded five goals in a league match at home.
Milan also crashed out of the Italian Cup against 10-man Torino and lost the Italian Super Cup 3-0 to Inter.
Milan director Paolo Maldini had laughed off suggestions midweek that Pioli’s job could be on the line, just eight months after leading the team to their first Serie A title in 11 years.
Sassuolo moved up to 16th, eight points above the relegation zone with their first win since mid-October.
Goal
Domenico Berardi was again a thorn in Milan’s side, with three assists and a goal.
That took the Sassuolo forward’s tally to 11 goals and seven assists against Milan.
Meanwhile, Napoli beat
Roma 2-1 last night to increase their lead in Serie A to 13 points.
In Spain, Barcelona are five points clear at the top of LaLiga after sub Pedri’s finish secured a 1-0 win at Girona.
Having come on in the first half for the injured Ousmane Dembele to make his 100th Barca appearance, Pedri notched the winner in the
61st minute after Jordi Alba’s cross came to the 20-year-old via goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
Xavi’s men increased their advantage over second-placed Real Madrid, who drew 0-0 with third-placed Real Sociedad last night.
Barca later said Dembele had “strained the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh.”
Sevilla are four points clear of the relegation zone following a 3-0 victory at home against 10-man, rock-bottom Elche.