Trento vs Sassuolo

Aucelli's 26th-minute goal effectively killed the contest as a competitive fixture. Had Sassuolo reached half-time at 1–0, they might have found a way back into the game. Instead, the quick double left them chasing from too far behind in a 45-minute-per-match friendly format, and they never recovered.

• Christian Capone (Trento) — Opened the scoring with a composed finish from the edge of the box and was a persistent threat drifting in from the left flank. ⭐ Player of the Match.
• Christian Aucelli (Trento) — His poacher's instinct delivered the decisive second goal and he anchored the midfield alongside Fossati and Garetto, controlling the tempo.
• Elia Barlocco (Trento) — Untroubled for long stretches but made a clean save from Doig's shot when called upon, keeping his clean sheet intact.
• Stefano Turati (Sassuolo) — Could do little about either goal; Trento's finishing was clinical from the limited openings they created.

In a 45-minute friendly, the match lacked the statistical depth of a full-length fixture, but the 2–0 scoreline accurately reflected the balance of play. Trento struck the woodwork through Dalmonte before scoring, suggesting an xG discrepancy that would lean heavily in the home side's favour. Sassuolo registered only one shot on target (Doig's effort), underscoring their lack of cutting edge in the final third. Trento's 4–3–3 pressed effectively high up the pitch, forcing Sassuolo into hurried clearances from the back line.

This was the opening fixture of a triangular tournament at the Briamasco, with Parma also participating. Trento topped the final standings (5 points), followed by Parma (3) and Sassuolo (1). The result continues Trento's encouraging pre-season trajectory under Tabbiani. For Sassuolo, Aquilani will have noted the need for sharper attacking cohesion before Serie B begins.

Trento next face Modena in another friendly at the Stadio Briamasco on 1 August 2026. Sassuolo's pre-season schedule continues with further friendlies ahead of the 2026–27 Serie B campaign.

A thoroughly professional pre-season performance from Trento, who were sharper, more organised and more clinical than a Sassuolo side still in the early stages of preparation. The scoreline flattered neither team — it was a fair reflection of the gap in rhythm and sharpness on the day.