Series A
6:45 p.mMay 8, 2026
Regular season – 36
Gran Torino Olympic Stadium
Referee: Simone Galipo, Italy
Turin
Sassuolo
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.82
Expected Goals (xG)
2.10
-0.25
Prevented goals
-0.25
Passing by
373 (85%)
Accurate passes
418 (87%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
49
G
Arijanet Murić
6.3
3
d
Josh Doig
6.2
80
d
Tarik Muharemović
6.3
6
d
Sebastian Walukiewicz
6.9
25
d
That Coulibaly
7.0
M
Kristian Thorstvedt
51′
86′ Stumbled
18
M
Nemanja Matic (C)
7.0
M
Luca Lipani
38′ Holding
51′
45
F
Armand Laurent
6.3
99
F
Andrea Pinamonti
6.2
7
F
Cristian Volpato
7.0
Serie A classification – Serie A
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – Serie B
Torino secured a crucial 2-1 win over Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, with late goals from Giovanni Simeone and Marcus Pedersen securing all three points after Kristian Thorstvedt had given the visitors an early second-half lead.
Torino came into this Serie A clash sitting 13th in the table with 41 points from 35 games. Sassuolo was in a more comfortable 9th position with 49 points. The hosts showed recent form with two wins and two draws in their last five matches. Sassuolo came in full force, having won the previous match.
The first 45 minutes were tight and competitive. Both teams created chances but neither found the breakthrough before the break. Torino controlled possession with 52% of the ball, but struggled to convert their chances into clear-cut chances. Sassuolo remained organized defensively, frustrating their hosts with disciplined positioning.
The defensive intensity increased as the first half progressed. Luca Lipani received a yellow card for Torino in the 38th minute for a sharp challenge. The visitors maintained their form well, limiting Torino’s attacking threat. Neither goalkeeper was seriously tested before the break.
The second half started with an immediate impact. Kristian Thorstvedt broke the deadlock for Sassuolo in the 51st minute, firing past the Torino defense to give the away side the lead. The goal came from Sassuolo’s top kick conversion, with Thorstvedt clinical in front of goal.
However, Torino quickly responded to the even proceedings. Giovanni Simeone equalized in the 66th minute, decisively turning the game around. The momentum shifted to the home team as their attacking play intensified.
Simeone’s leveler sparked Torino into action. Just five minutes later, Marcus Pedersen completed the turnaround in the 71st minute, firing Torino ahead. The home crowd erupted as Torino took control of the contest. Pedersen’s finish was the decisive blow in what turned out to be a tense closing period.
Sassuolo pushed hard to equalize but found Torino’s defense resolute. Several yellow cards followed in the closing stages, with Thorstvedt booked for Sassuolo in the 86th minute. Nkounkou and Gineitis were also booked as tensions rose.
Statistically, Sassuolo dominated possession with 52% compared to Torino’s 48%. The visitors also had more shots overall with 18 attempts to Torino’s 14. However, Torino’s clinical finishing proved decisive, with both teams generating similar expected goals figures of 2.82 and 2.1 respectively.
Torino goalkeeper Alberto Paleari made five crucial saves to secure victory. Second-half goals from Simeone and Pedersen showed the home side’s ability to capitalize on opportunities. The win lifts Torino’s hopes of climbing the table with three games remaining.
This win gives Torino a valuable boost in their battle for safety in mid-table. Sassuolo, despite their dominance, returns to Emilia-Romagna empty-handed. The result shows how clinical finishing often trumps territorial control when it comes to determining match results.
