Serie A: AC Milan's title defence in tatters after home humbling by Sassuolo

AC Milan's faint title hopes suffered a blow after a 5-2 thrashing at home by Sassuolo, a week after conceding four against Lazio.

Stefano Pioli made six changes to the side that were hammered last weekend but it failed to pay off as they found themselves 3-1 down by half-time.

A lovely passing move saw Gregoire Defrel steer in Domenico Berardi's cross from close range. And three minutes later it was Berardi again the provider for Davide Frattesi to hammer the ball in at the near post.

The home side soon reduced their deficit courtesy of a trademark Oliver Giroud glancing header from Davide Calabria's cross.

But the Rossoneri's defensive woes continued as Berardi headed in a corner at the near post to make it 3-1.

Piolo brought on only Rafael Leao at the break and they soon found themselves further behind when Calabria conceded a penalty with a late challenge on Armand Lauriente, who dispatched it to make it 4-1.

The drama continued as Ante Rebic had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside. Milan then made a late triple change, including bringing on Divock Origi, but the visitors capped off a memorable day when they pounced on another error at the back and substitute Matheus Henrique netted from Berardi's pass.

Origi scored with a wonder strike from the edge of the box but it was mere consolation as Milan slipped to fourth in the table while Sassuolo climb to 16th after their first league win since October.