Sassuolo (population 41, 000) is one point clear at the top of the table in the second tier of Italian soccer.

WSJ: Sassuolo on Brink of Promotion to Italian Soccer's Serie A

Sassuolo has played flowing, attacking soccer all season something that isn't always guaranteed in Italy, where defense has been elevated to high art.

WSJ: Sassuolo on Brink of Promotion to Italian Soccer's Serie A

Mapei, a family-owned adhesives group, had sponsored one of the world's leading cycling teams for decades and had historical ties to Sassuolo's tile-makers.

WSJ: Sassuolo on Brink of Promotion to Italian Soccer's Serie A

Giorgio Squinzi, CEO of Sassuolo's main sponsor Mapei SpA, took over the team in 2002, when it was playing in Italy's fourth tier.

WSJ: Sassuolo on Brink of Promotion to Italian Soccer's Serie A

So how did Sassuolo edge out its much bigger rivals?

WSJ: Sassuolo on Brink of Promotion to Italian Soccer's Serie A

Reminders of Sassuolo's size come with every home game.

WSJ: Sassuolo on Brink of Promotion to Italian Soccer's Serie A

Visit the area around Vicenza, in the north-east, which has an array of small family companies, or look at ceramics companies in the cluster around Sassuolo, in the centre of Italy, and you will be struck by the energy and skills on display.

ECONOMIST: A survey of Italy