Sassuolo Primavera suffered a 3-1 defeat to Empoli Primavera on Monday afternoon, despite taking an early lead through Italian-born Ghanaian youngster Justin Kumi.
The game, which was played at the Petroio di Vinci Stadium, saw Kumi start and last the full game, while fellow Ghanaian youngster Amoako Minta also started for Sassuolo. Ghanaian striker Herbert Ansah featured for Empoli.
Kumi's goal came in the 2nd minute of the game, after a series of shots from Amoako Minta and Borna Knezovic were rejected. Flavio Russo then tried his luck with a left-footed shot, which was crushed by Empoli keeper Lapo Vertua. Kumi was on hand to head the ball into the net and give Sassuolo the lead.
However, Empoli equalized just a minute later through Giacomo Corona, who scored from the penalty spot after Emerick Lopes was sent off for holding an Empoli player inside the area. Sassuolo were reduced to 10 men and had to play the entire match with a man down.
Empoli took the lead in the 47th minute through Corona, who scored his second goal of the game with a close touch to beat goalkeeper Daniel Theiner. The Tuscans then sealed the win in the 84th minute through Noah El Biache, who served Corona at the limit. Corona found the low corner with his right-footed shot to make it 3-1.
Sassuolo Primavera will now play Fiorentina Primavera in their next game, and will be looking to bounce back from this defeat.