US Sassuolo Calcio vs Lazio preview - Sassuolo aim to upset Lazio

Lazio have been warned not to underestimate bottom of the table Sassuolo when the teams meet on Sunday at the Stadio Citta del Tricolore.

Despite starting the Serie A season with four straight defeats, Sassuolo travelled to face title contenders Napoli in midweek and battled to a 1-1 draw.

Champions of Serie B in 2012-13, Sassuolo will be eager to build on that display when they play in front of their own fans.

"I was pleased with the performance of my team," Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco said.

"Before the game I told my players that a win for us would pay 21 times that of what it would for Napoli.

"It was a way to stimulate my players and, although we didn't win, we came out with a precious point against a very good side.

"Against Napoli we showed that we were a much better team than we had displayed in our 7-0 defeat to Inter Milan.

"Now we must show the same hunger and will against Lazio."

Lazio are sixth in the standings, but have yet to win away from home.

They bounced back from last weekend's 2-0 derby defeat to Roma with a 3-1 triumph over Catania on Wednesday - their third victory of the campaign.

"To lose a derby always hurts," Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva said. "We needed a win to get back on track and we got it against Catania.

"We always need to be the ones to take the initiative and not wait for our rivals to do so.

"Now we must focus on Sassuolo and continue on this path."

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic welcomes back defender Andre Dias from suspension for the game against Sassuolo.

However, Germany striker Miroslav Klose has undergone minor surgery on his right foot and will be sidelined for two weeks.