Sassuolo's slim chances of qualifying for Europe have all but ended despite coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Serie A strugglers Udinese at the Stadio Citta del Tricolore.
With Inter Milan dropping points at Roma on Saturday, Sassuolo could have closed the gap on the Europa League places to eight points with a win.
But Duvan Zapata scored his sixth goal of the campaign to give Stefano Colantuono's men an early lead.
The hosts equalised in the 64th minute when Matteo Politano headed in Federico Peluso's cross but the Neroverdi remain seventh while Udinese are now four points above the relegation zone in 16th.
ends