Genk v Sassuolo background
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Article summary
Genk have yet to concede at home in the UEFA Europa League this season but their defence will face a stiff test against Group F's buoyant newcomers Sassuolo.
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Genk's home form has been consistently positive in Europe this season, but continental debutants Sassuolo have got into their own rhythm as the sides meet in Group F.
Previous meetings
• The teams are facing off for the first time in what is Sassuolo's first encounter with Belgian opponents.
• Genk's only previous games against Serie A opposition came in the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League group stage, where they lost 1-0 at home and drew 0-0 away against Roma.
Form guide
• Genk have won all three of their European home matches this term without conceding.
• Sassuolo have drawn both of their continental away fixtures to date 1-1. They have won all three of their UEFA Europa League home games 3-0.
• Genk have successfully negotiated both of their previous UEFA Europa League group stage campaigns.
• Sassuolo and Konyaspor are the only clubs in the 2016/17 group stage who are in their debut European season.
Links and trivia
• The journey from Sassuolo to Genk is around 800km.
The coaches
• Genk head coach Peter Maes was appointed to the helm in 2015, having guided Lokeren to two Belgian Cup successes. The highest-profile campaigns of his playing days were spent as second-choice goalkeeper at Anderlecht.
• Eusebio Di Francesco's career high as a player was winning the Scudetto with Roma in 2000/01. The 12-times capped midfielder has since worked wonders at Sassuolo, steering an attack-minded team from Serie B into Europe.