Stefano Pioli was the architect of one of Milan's most memorable moments in the 2021-22 season, when, at Sassuolo, he led the Rossoneri to win their 19th scudetto. The match, played on 22 May 2022 at the Mapei Stadium, ended with a clear 0-3 in favor of Milan, thanks to a brace from Olivier Giroud and a goal from Franck Kessie. Since that day, the San Siro club has failed to win again at Sassuolo, recording only two draws and one negative result.
Pioli's success at the Mapei Stadium was a point of reference for Milan's recent history. The victory came at a crucial stage of the season, when the team was already at the top of the table and needed a decisive result to consolidate their position. Giroud's brace demonstrated his ability to handle pressure situations, while Kessie added a further attacking element, helping to close out the game with confidence.
Despite the importance of that result, the rivalry between Milan and Sassuolo has undergone an evolution. After the 2021-22 season, Milan met Sassuolo on several occasions, but failed to replicate the victory achieved at the Mapei Stadium. The results were balanced: two draws and a single negative result, demonstrating that the home of Sassuolo has become a difficult place for the Rossoneri to conquer.
Pioli, who led Milan until 2023, has often been cited as the coach who built a solid and competitive team. His management led the club to achieve important goals, but his tenure ended when he was replaced by a new manager. However, his legacy remains evident, especially the victory at the Mapei Stadium, which was a moment of great pride for AC Milan fans.
Looking to the future, Milan is preparing for new challenges in Serie A and European competitions. The club is evaluating new strategies and potential reinforcements to maintain competitiveness. In the meantime, Sassuolo continues to focus on its internal development and on maintaining a cohesive team, with the aim of improving its position in the league table and creating new opportunities for success against top-level teams.