Reims stand up to Sassuolo a week before challenging Marseille
A week before going to challenge Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome on the first day of L1, Reims drew (2-2) with Sassuolo (Italian D1) after a pleasant meeting on Sunday during their last warm-up game. Les Champenois, who led two to zero on the hour mark thanks to Mitchell Van Bergen (20th) and Arber Zeneli (62nd), however, finally had to settle for a draw after conceding two goals in quick succession from Emil Ceide ( 64th) and Giacomo Raspadori (67th).
Several recruits have shone on the Reims side, like the Austrian goalkeeper Patrick Pentz, author of several decisive saves like last weekend against Villarreal (0-1) and especially the Japanese striker Ito Junya, who only arrived on Friday in from Genk (Belgian D1) and author of a remarkable performance. The Nippon, very sharp, multiplied the technical gestures, the calls and delivered a decisive pass during the 45 minutes which he contested.
Sassuolo, who will start Serie A in two weeks, was a tough opponent, especially in the second half and after the outings of several Reims starters. Former Marseillais Maxime Lopez came in after the locker room and made a clean copy. While Igor Tudor’s OM were not reassured by losing their last warm-up match against AC Milan on Sunday (0-2), Reims showed a rather attractive game like against Villarreal a week . Enough to confidently approach the trip to Marseille next Sunday (8:45 p.m.) at the end of the inaugural day of the French Ligue 1 championship…