The 26th round of Serie A opens at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, where Sassuolo host Hellas Verona on Friday, February 20, 2026. The home side approach this fixture in good spirits after a strong run of results, while the visitors are still searching for their first win of the new year. With both teams fighting for very different objectives, this encounter promises to be crucial for their respective seasons.

Sassuolo’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Sassuolo have enjoyed a positive spell, winning three of their last four Serie A matches, including a 2-1 comeback victory away to Udinese on February 15. That result lifted them into the top half of the table, sitting comfortably in 10th place with 32 points. Their overall league record stands at 9 wins, 5 draws, and 11 defeats, averaging 1.2 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game.

Despite their recent improvement, Sassuolo’s home form remains inconsistent. They have won only two of their last nine league games at the Mapei Stadium, drawing twice and losing five times, including a heavy 5-0 defeat to Inter. However, their attacking trio of Andrea Pinamonti, Domenico Berardi, and Armand Laurienté continues to be a major threat, combining for 14 goals this season. Coach Fabio Grosso will again be without Nemanja Matic and defender Tarik Muharemovic due to suspension, but the rest of the squad remains largely available.

• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 defeats.


• Average goals scored: 1.2 per match.


• Average goals conceded: 1.6 per match.


• Head-to-head record vs Hellas Verona: 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 defeats.

With a solid mid-table position and a recent upturn in form, Sassuolo will look to capitalize on Verona’s struggles to further distance themselves from the relegation zone.

Hellas Verona’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Hellas Verona remain in deep trouble at the bottom of the Serie A standings. They are currently 20th with just 15 points, having failed to win any of their last 10 league matches. Their most recent outing ended in a 2-1 defeat away to Parma, where they conceded a stoppage-time goal after being reduced to ten men. The team’s record this season is worrying: only 2 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses, with an average of 0.8 goals scored and 1.7 conceded per game.

The visitors’ attacking options are further weakened by the suspension of top scorer Gift Orban, who has netted seven goals this season. Midfielder Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro is also suspended, while several players remain sidelined through injury, including Tomas Suslov, Antoine Bernede, Roberto Gagliardini, Sandi Lovric, Pol Lirola, and Nicolas Valentini. Interim coach Paolo Sammarco faces a difficult task in reshaping his side under these circumstances.

• Last 5 matches: 0 wins, 2 draws, 3 defeats.


• Average goals scored: 0.4 per match.


• Average goals conceded: 1.8 per match.


• Haven’t won in 25 of their last 27 matches.


• Under 0.5 goals scored in 3 of their last 10 away games.

Verona’s away record offers little encouragement, though they have avoided defeat in three of their last six away fixtures. Still, their lack of creativity and defensive frailty make them vulnerable against a Sassuolo side in better form.

Match Analysis and Prediction

This fixture presents a clear contrast in momentum. Sassuolo are on the rise, having rediscovered their scoring touch and confidence, while Hellas Verona continue to struggle at both ends of the pitch. The absence of key players like Orban and Akpa Akpro further complicates Verona’s hopes of ending their winless streak.

Historically, Sassuolo have had the upper hand in this matchup, winning three of the last five meetings and averaging 1.4 goals per game against Verona. The visitors’ inability to convert chances and their defensive lapses suggest that another defeat could be on the cards. Sassuolo’s attacking trio should find opportunities to exploit Verona’s weakened backline, especially in front of their home supporters.

Given the current form and statistical trends, a home victory appears the most likely outcome. Verona’s long list of absentees and poor scoring record make it difficult to imagine them taking points from this encounter.

Sassuolo vs Hellas Verona prediction by BetMines:
Home Win (1) with 45% probability.