Sassuolo return to Serie A after a year away

Sassuolo returned to Serie A after a season away on Sunday as results elsewhere mathematically ensured promotion for the team managed by World Cup winner Fabio Grosso. 

With five matches remaining in the season, Serie B leaders Sassuolo are 16 points ahead of third-placed Spezia, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Mantova on Sunday.

Sassuolo beat local rivals Modena 3-1 on Saturday to set up the possibility of promotion.

Grosso, who was key to Italy winning the World Cup in 2006 with a goal against hosts Germany in the semi-final and the winning penalty against France in the final, has coached Sassuolo since June last year.

Under Grosso, 47, Sassuolo have won 23 of their 33 fixtures, losing just four times, and have led the division for most of the season.

One of Grosso's fellow World Cup winners in Filippo Inzaghi could join him in the top division with Pisa, who sit second and seven points ahead of Spezia.