Alfred Duncan returns in Sassuolo loss to Lazio

Alfred Duncan came off the bench to try to help Sassuolo against Lazio in Sunday’s Serie A game in Rome but his effort was not enough as his team fell to a 2-1 defeat.

The Ghanaian was a 71st-minute substitute for Davide Biondini as coach Eusebio Di Francesco sought a lifeline with Lazio leading.

The hosts went ahead via Senad Lulic on 50 minutes and doubled their lead five minutes later through Ciro Immobile, but the visitors had a quick response as Gregoire Defrel notched one back just two minutes later to set up a nervy finish.

Di Francesco sent on Duncan and Antonio Ragusa to try to rescue a late point for Sassuolo but they were unable to get the needed goal.

It was Duncan’s first appearance since returning from an injury which he picked up on September 21 against Chievo. He was unused in matches against Bologna and Roma last week.

The 23-year-old has given coach Avram Grant a boost ahead of his squad announcement for next month’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Egypt in Alexandria.