After the thrilling 4-0 victory over Hellas Verona, expectations were high for Game 3. The plan was simple: travel via Modena to meet up with friends and enjoy the journey together. However, things didn’t exactly go to plan – both on and off the pitch.
The match itself was far from straightforward. Despite a decent start, a controversial red card, later overturned by VAR, and the early loss of Rovella shifted the momentum.
Ultimately, the team struggled to regain control, and the final score reflected a hard-fought contest that fell short of the previous week’s dominance.
Tickets – A much smoother process
After the frustrating ordeal of Como’s own ticket system – which was an absolute disaster – buying tickets for Sassuolo via Vivaticket was a breath of fresh air. I logged in a few minutes early, and when the tickets went on sale at 10:00 AM, I was pleasantly surprised to have completed my purchase by 10:08.
I was fairly confident of securing a ticket, given the away allocation of 4,000, which sold out within a couple of hours. On top of that, we managed to buy an additional 2,000 tickets in the home sections near the away stand, ensuring the group could stick together and enjoy the atmosphere.
The journey part I – A lovely walk with an ‘interesting’ twist
I got up early and drove to Modena to meet some friends. I had initially thought about visiting the Ferrari Museum, but my Roman friend Francesco, who lives in Modena, mentioned they would be up early, so I went straight to their apartment and parked.
Once there, I met Francesco, his lovely girlfriend Federica – who later admitted she comes from a Romanisti family, though we won’t hold that against her – and my friend Lucio, ahead of his return to Turkey.
While wandering the city, the guys introduced me to Mattia, another very passionate Lazio fan who had travelled for the game.
We spent the morning exploring Modena, and I must admit I really liked it. It’s a charming city, a bit like a smaller Bologna but less busy – somewhere I want to bring my Mrs. Federica was a fantastic guide, clearly passionate about her adopted city, and filled me in on its history and hidden gems.
Later, I mentioned to Karen, my Scottish Fiorentina-supporting friend, that I was a fan of Modena. Despite loving all things Italian, she wasn’t impressed, comparing it to Empoli. While I may disagree – Modena is beautiful, unlike Empoli, which has a less flattering reputation – the fun of travelling is sharing opinions and learning from friends.
I should add that Karen had visited Modena after Bologna and Ferrara and while in Modena all the balsamic vinegar tasting places in the centre were closed which didn’t help! Karen and I may not see eye to eye on Modena, but at least we agree Florence is a gem.
The day took a slightly dramatic turn back at Francesco and Federica’s apartment. The five of us tried to squeeze into a lift meant for four people, with a maximum weight of 325kg. As I joked about taking up a significant portion of the weight allowance, there was a loud thud – the lift, which had started at ground level, dropped to the level below.
We were stuck. Federica called the engineer while we stood in the sweltering lift, which felt more like a sauna than an elevator. Fortunately, help arrived after 15 minutes – something the others agreed would have been impossible in Rome.
The engineer pointed out that the lift was meant for four, not five. We all apologised as we climbed out, and Francesco and I promised that from now on, we’d pay full attention to both the number of passengers and the weight limit. After all, that information is there for a reason!
The journey part II – Lunch and the trip to Reggio Emilia
Once out of the lift, Federica prepared a fantastic lunch while Francesco took a break from helping her to give me a tour of their lovely apartment.
We enjoyed a delicious Amatriciana – classic Roman cuisine – perfectly cooked, despite being in Emilia Romagna. Romans know how to make their dishes unforgettable, and this was no exception!
With lunch finished, it was time to make our way to Reggio Emilia. Poor Sassuolo doesn’t play in Sassuolo itself, but in Reggio, about 30km away. We took the short train trip and then walked to the stadium, soaking in the pre-match atmosphere. Outside, fans gathered around food trucks, enjoying beers and chatting, building the buzz for the game ahead.
I received a message from my new friend Maria Chiara, whom I’d first met back in May after Lazio’s loss against Lecce. She and her boyfriend Matteo were already inside, and she asked me to let them know when we arrived.
I was introduced to a few more people and tried to stretch my Italian, breaking away from speaking English. My efforts weren’t perfect, but at least I was understood!
As we approached the stadium entrance, I heard my name called. It was Luca, a friend from Florence originally from the south. We sometimes go to games together, and it’s always great to catch up. I joked that hopefully next week I’d stand with him in the heart of the Curva for the derby.
I rejoined Francesco in the predictably disorganised queue, ready to finally get inside and soak up the matchday atmosphere.
Entering the stadium and pre-match build-up
The walk to the stadium almost felt like a home game – there were Lazio fans everywhere. It might just be one of the safest walks for away fans, even proudly wearing their colours.
Once we reached the entrance, I was surprised by how strict security was. Every bag and pocket was checked thoroughly for contraband, and it seemed like only two staff members were handling the entire queue! After a tense few minutes, we calmly passed through the turnstiles and found our spots.
Maria Chiara sent me her location, so I went to meet her and Matteo. Their area was packed, so they couldn’t get to me, and we agreed to meet up later.
As I made my way back to my friends, the Lazio fans nearby erupted in chants of, “Fabiani pezzo di merda”, directed at Angelo Fabiani, the club’s sporting director. Like Igli Tare before him, Fabiani is far from popular, especially after last season’s summer transfer ban. Both he and Lotito attract regular fan ire – Lotito, in particular, remains stubborn despite being widely disliked, refusing to sell players no matter the pressure.
Despite all the drama surrounding the club’s management, the atmosphere inside the stadium was electric. Optimism was in the air, especially after Roma had suffered a 1-0 defeat by Torino earlier, giving the fans plenty of reason to believe in a strong performance from their team.
The game – Tension and frustration
The match proved to be a tough, frustrating contest for Lazio. The final scoreline was Sassuolo 1-0 Lazio, a result that shocked many after Lazio’s dominant 4-0 win in the previous game.
Early in the match, Sassuolo had a player shown a red card, which was later reversed, sparing them from playing a man down. Despite that reprieve, Lazio struggled to impose themselves.
Zaccagni had a golden opportunity in the second half at 0-0, a well-placed chance that could have changed the momentum. However, in a pivotal defensive lapse, he inadvertently played a Sassuolo player onside, which allowed Sassuolo to capitalise and score the decisive goal.
Several issues compounded Lazio’s difficulties. Provedel’s kicking was noticeably poor, gifting Sassuolo dangerous possession at key moments, while Nuno Tavares looked unfit and ineffective, leaving the left flank exposed.
Fans’ frustration grew as Sassuolo – who had yet to earn a point before this win – managed to soak up pressure and secure a historic victory. The optimism that had filled the stadium before kick-off was replaced by disbelief as the final whistle confirmed Lazio’s second defeat of the season.
Fans let their feelings be known
When the dejected Lazio players walked over to the travelling supporters at full-time, there was none of the usual applause or gestures of mutual appreciation. Instead, they were met with a pointed and frustrated chant:
“𝗦𝘃𝗲𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗮, 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗰’𝗲̀ 𝗶𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆!”
A clear message: wake up, because Sunday is the Derby.
As the fans filtered out of the Mapei Stadium, the mood was heavy. Conversations were short, frustrations obvious. My friend Lucio summed it up during the long trudge back: “Had we won, I’d feel optimistic about next weekend’s derby… but now? I’m flat and worried.”
That sentiment captured the atmosphere perfectly. The optimism of a week ago had evaporated, replaced by a mixture of disappointment and anxiety. The only silver lining? Getting out of the stadium was immediate, with no delays at the exits – small comfort on a difficult night.
Respect to the Sassuolo Fans
It can’t be easy following a team that doesn’t play in its own town, so fair play to the Sassuolo fans who travel week in, week out to support their side. I want to give them particular credit for their gesture this weekend: singing about Gabriele Sandri just before half-time and again after the match.
I remember a few years ago when they also held up a banner for him, and I was struck again by the respect they showed on this occasion. It deserves to be acknowledged.
For those who may not know the story: on 11 November 2007, Gabriele Sandri, a 26-year-old Lazio fan and DJ, tragically lost his life. While travelling with friends to the Inter-Lazio match, he stopped at a motorway service station near Arezzo where clashes broke out between groups of fans. A highway police officer, Luigi Spaccarotella, fired two shots from the opposite carriageway. One bullet passed through a barrier and struck Gabriele, who was asleep in the back seat, killing him instantly.
The officer was eventually sentenced in 2012 to nine years and four months in prison. Today, he is reportedly married and working in a cheese factory – but for many football supporters across Italy, the memory of Sandri remains deeply felt.
A huge respect to the Sassuolo fans for remembering him.
The journey back
Once back in Modena, I jumped straight into the car and decided to head directly to Florence without stopping. I had considered pulling in for a quick coffee, but with the drive being just over an hour, I pushed on – and even managed to beat Google Maps by four minutes. Small victories!
After what had been a fun (except for the match itself) but tiring day, it was a relief to get home. My wife wasn’t exactly eager for a blow-by-blow account of Lazio’s performance, but she indulged me as we shared a couple of glasses of Bolgheri on the terrace. They weren’t Super Ts but, after the frustration of the game, they were exactly what was needed.
Key takeaways
- Tickets: Smooth and stress-free with Vivaticket.
- Journey: A memorable day in Modena and Reggio, with good company and one broken lift.
- The Match: Sassuolo 1–0 Lazio – a missed chance, a reversed red card, and defensive lapses sealed the loss.
- Player Performances: Provedel’s poor distribution and Tavares’ lack of fitness stood out negatively.
- Fans’ Verdict: Loud chants reminded the team that the derby is non-negotiable.
- Looking Ahead: The derby is around the corner – and Lazio must bounce back fast.
Conclusion – Eyes on the derby
Game 3 was supposed to build on the momentum of the emphatic 4-0 win over Verona, but instead it served as a sobering reminder that nothing comes easy in Serie A.
A trip that started with high hopes and good company turned into a night of frustration both on and off the pitch, with the team looking flat, disorganised, and ultimately punished by a Sassuolo side desperate for their first points.
The fans made their feelings crystal clear: this performance isn’t good enough, especially with the Derby della Capitale looming.
The fear and worry are real – Roma may have stumbled, but Lazio can’t afford another misstep.
The squad must wake up, regroup, and show far more hunger and intensity if they are to stand any chance in the biggest game of the season.
Next Sunday will define not just pride in Rome, but also set the tone for the weeks ahead.
The message is simple: svegliatevi e giocate come sapete – wake up, and play the way you can.
A Domenica Bastardi!
