Sassuolo’s stunning 4-3 win away at AS Roma on Sunday night was also a moment of personal glory for attacker Armand Lauriente, who had a role in three of the Neroverdi’s four goals and is our Total Italian Football Serie A Player of the Week on Matchday 26 of the 2022/23 campaign.
After a tough start to the season, coach Alessio Dionisi has got the Sassuolo engine roaring again in 2023, with no side scoring more goals in the first half of matches, and they caught an often well-drilled Giallorossi defence cold with two goals before the 18th minute at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lauriente leading the Sassuolo charge
The quickfire double from Lauriente in the capital saw the 24-year-old join ex-Neroverdi strikers, Simone Zaza and Francesco Caputo, on the list of those that have achieved that feat for Sassuolo in a top-flight fixture.
After showing excellent anticipation to bundle in the opener after goalkeeper Rui Patricio had palmed Andrea Pinamonti’s shot across the goal. Moments later, Lauriente displayed more positional awareness when holding his run to fire home a Domenico Berardi cross.
Could Lauriente head south to Napoli this summer?
As well as his brace, the former Rennes youth also played a crucial part in the winning goal for Pinamonti on 75 minutes. Bursting towards goal from the left wing while holding off the challenge of Mady Camara and sliding a perfectly weighted pass for the striker to lift a finish delicately over Patricio.
Lauriente has now been involved in 13 goals for Sassuolo this term and runaway Serie A leaders Napoli are reportedly monitoring his progress in Reggio Emilia. With more performances at that level this season, the Partenopei could find themselves competing with several others for the Frenchman’s signature this summer.
