Sassuolo v Rapid Wien background
Monday, October 24, 2016
Article summary
Sassuolo's unbeaten run in Europe came to an end on matchday two, but the Italian debutants' rather splendid home record is still ongoing as they welcome Rapid Wien in Group F.
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Article body
Following a draw on matchday three, Sassuolo and Rapid Wien remain locked together on four points in UEFA Europa League Group F as the sides reconvene in Italy.
Previous meetings
• The teams drew 1-1 when they met for the first time in UEFA competition on 20 October; it was Sassuolo's first encounter with Austrian opposition.
• Rapid's record in 20 previous matches against Italian clubs is W2 D4 L14. They are yet to win in nine competitive games in Italy (D1 L8).
Form guide
• Sassuolo's home record in Europe is a rather attractive one; they have won all three of their fixtures to date by an identical 3-0 scoreline.
• Rapid's record in four European away games in 2016 is W1 D1 L2.
• This is Sassuolo's maiden season in European competition.
• Rapid got through the UEFA Europa League group stage for the first time in 2015/16 following four unsuccessful attempts.
Links and trivia
• The journey from Vienna to Reggio Emilia is around 600km.
• The game is taking place the day after Rapid defender Christopher Dibon's 26th birthday.
The coaches
• 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 side from Serie B into Europe.
• Rapid boss Mike Büskens won the 1997 UEFA Cup with Schalke, with whom he spent the bulk of his playing career, later serving on the coaching staff. He then took the helm at Greuther Fürth and Fortuna Düsseldorf, before being hired by Rapid this summer.
