Alberto Aquilani has been appointed as the new head coach of Sassuolo, marking his first venture into Serie A management. The 41-year-old, who turns 42 next week, replaces Fabio Grosso, who left for Fiorentina.
Aquilani is no stranger to the Mapei Stadium, having played there for six months in 2017. Since retiring in 2018, he has built his coaching credentials in the Fiorentina youth academy before coaching Pisa and Catanzaro in Serie B, narrowly missing out on promotion to Monza.
At his unveiling press conference, Aquilani expressed his delight at returning to the club. “I am happy and honoured to be here,” he said. He noted the changes since his playing days, highlighting the new training facilities, and described the role as “a dream come true.”
Tactically, Aquilani intends to maintain Sassuolo’s familiar 4-3-3 system rather than impose radical changes. “I have clear ideas,” he explained, though he added that “football is constant evolution.” However, he acknowledged that the squad requires reinforcement, stating they are “lacking in some positions” despite sharing clear recruitment plans with the club’s hierarchy.
The former Liverpool and Roma midfielder revealed he had held discussions with Torino and other clubs before committing to Sassuolo. He described the move as “a natural choice,” citing his previous connection to the club and the Squinzi family as decisive factors.
Aquilani also pointed to Roberto De Zerbi as a major coaching influence, admitting he admires the former Sassuolo boss’s methods. He has already received congratulatory messages from fellow Serie A managers Daniele De Rossi of Genoa and Cesc Fabregas of Como.
Sassuolo will hope Aquilani can stabilise the side following Grosso’s exit, with the new coach keen to imprint his vision while respecting the club’s established attacking traditions and modern infrastructure.