There may still be all to play for at both ends of Serie B, but Sassuolo already have one eye on next season.

Fabio Grosso’s men have steamrollered their way to promotion, confirming their immediate return to Italy’s top flight after just 33 matches.

They have done so in some style, too, scoring 75 goals, and are on course to break the records for most wins in a Serie B season and the record points total set by Benevento in 2020.

There is now the small matter of tying up the title, with four more points guaranteeing them top spot. However, there is more than just a trophy up for grabs.

With promotion sealed, each player will be desperate to show they have what it takes to make the step up and remain with the squad next term. There is no doubting that changes within Grosso’s side will be forthcoming over the summer and, unfortunately for some, their Sassuolo journey will end with the close of this campaign.

In no position is this more visible than up top. Laurs Skjellerup is one player who will be striving for an opportunity to show his ability over the coming four matches.

Signed from IFK Gothenburg in January, the Danish 22-year-old has endured a tough time with injuries and has made just three appearances. Despite his lack of playing time, he still has the backing of his head coach.

“He has great potential and we like him a lot,” said Grosso. “We want to work on him to make him express himself as much as possible because he is a boy with quality.”  

He is, however, being asked to show his credentials in a crowded field. Samuele Mulattieri has the No 9 jersey, while Luca Moro has taken his chances to impress this season. Add to that the returns of Andrea Pinamonti and Agustin Alvarez from loan spells at Genoa and Elche respectively this term, and it becomes clear that movement is a necessity this summer.

For Carrarese, the focus is very much still on the here and now. A monumental 1-0 win against Sampdoria on Friday pulled them six points clear of the relegation places and moved them up to 11th.

There is still work to be done on ensuring their Serie B status, and they will need to be at their best to take another step towards safety against Thursday’s opponents.

“It will be important to have great respect but zero fear of the Neroverdi,” said Juventus loanee Leonardo Cerri.

“In order not to leave empty-handed, we will need a Carrarese close to perfection.

“[Sassuolo] have international level players, with appearances in the top level of this sport, but we have shown that we can cause difficulties for anyone by playing with our usual attitude.”

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