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Ten-man Inter Milan claimed their third successive win for the first time this season after a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Sassuolo. Antonio Candreva scored the only goal of the match shortly after the break with a powerful drive from 12 yards, having been denied in the opening 45 minutes by the woodwork. The hosts pushed for an equaliser with Gregoire Defrel and Stefano Sensi both spurning opportunities before Felipe Melo saw red for two bookable offences as the Nerazzurri held onto the three points. After a slow start Candreva sparked the game into life on 13 minutes with a long-range effort which forced home goalkeeper Andrea Consigli into action for the first time. Candreva was inches away from breaking the deadlock three minutes later when his powerful 25-yard drive slammed into the post after deflecting off Sassuolo captain Francesco Acerbi. Inter continued to pile the pressure on and again Candreva was involved when his cross from the right wing found Mauro Icardi free in the penalty area but his header drifted just wide of the far post. The hosts were a threat to Inter and the visitors needed goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to be alert as Defrel latched onto a long ball but his lofted effort on the stretch was well saved. The chance of the first half fell to Ivan Perisic who was unmarked in the area but could only shoot straight at Consigli from seven yards out as the match somehow remained goalless at the break. But only two minutes after the restart Inter were ahead after Joao Mario's effort was parried by Consigli and the ball fell kindly to Candreva, who rifled a shot into the top corner. Sensi came close to an equaliser for Sassuolo but Handanovic produced a great save to deny the midfielder before substitute Alessandro Matri scuffed his shot horribly wide when through on goal.
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