Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi and Boulaye Dia scored for Salernitana but it was not enough as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo in Friday night action in the Italian Serie A.
The Garnets suffered a 2-0 home loss to regional neighbours Napoli last time out but hit the ground running this time when Nigerian Ikwuemesi finished off cooly from a brilliant buildup in the fifth minute for his first league goal for the club.
Dia doubled Salernitana’s lead 12 minuted later with a fierce volley from inside the box off Loum Tchaouna’s assist for the Senegal forward’s fourth goal this season. It was also his 20th league goal since last season and is only third behind Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez (33) and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen (32).
20 – Boulaye Dia has scored 20 goals in the last two Serie A seasons: only Victor Osimhen (32) and Lautaro Martínez (33) have done better in this period. It is also more than double of any of his teammates (Antonio Candreva with nine). Climber.#Sassuolosalernitana pic.twitter.com/soiGmhKYtb
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) November 10, 2023
Salernitana’s joy was however shortlived as Norwegian midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt scored in either half to hand Sassuolo a share of the spoils at the Mapei Stadium.
Salernitana remain rooted to the bottom of the Serie A standings, four points shy of safety while Sassuolo are seven points ahead in 15th place and also four points clear of the drop zone.
