Armand Lauriente is Sassuolo’s second-best player in terms of assists and first when it comes to shots and chances created in Serie A. He is a diminutive winger with great acceleration as well as the best player in Serie B last season. His attributes make him the number one threat Fiorentina will have to deal with on Sunday.

After scoring an impressive 18 goals and providing five assists in Serie B, his initial impact this season featured the typical inconsistency that has marked his career: some of his performances were truly remarkable, while others less so. The true turning point came in February, when Fabio Grosso found the right tactical solution to make the most of the French talent. He collected four of his eight assists this season in February alone, as well as scoring the opening goal of his team’s comeback win against Udinese. These numbers have made him the most prolific player in terms of goals and assists in his team.

Lauriente acts as the glue holding together his team’s midfielders and forwards: when in possession, he plays an active role in the play, both with quick passes with his team-mates and long passes, while in attacking transitions he becomes Sassuolo’s main outlet. His speed enables him to beat his marker and the opponent’s defense.

Despite being able to perform well on both flanks, the Frenchman truly shines when playing on the left. Lauriente often finds the ball on the touchline, this way he can send the ball to the center of the pitch using his stronger foot. In that split second, the French winger chooses how to act: driving forward with the ball to break the press, crossing towards the far post, or playing a vertical through-ball to reward the striker's run.

The number 45 is also a set-piece specialist and has been ever since he used to play for Lorient. In fact, he has scored an impressive goal from a set-piece against Cagliari and has provided very precise corner kicks this season. Fiorentina have found out about his skills the hard way, as in their match against Sassuolo in the first half of the season Lauriente whipped in a dangerous corner that led to his team’s decisive goal.