Sassuolo have identified Fiorentina midfielder Marco Brescianini as a potential replacement for Ismael Koné, who faces an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious injury at the 2026 World Cup.
Koné injury blow
The Canada international sustained the injury during his country’s 4-0 victory over Qatar in the group phase this past June. The 24-year-old is expected to miss Sassuolo’s entire pre-season and a significant portion of the 2026-27 campaign.
Koné was instrumental in Sassuolo’s 2025-26 season, scoring six goals in 35 Serie A appearances to help the Emilia-Romagna club secure comfortable survival. His absence leaves a substantial void in the centre of midfield ahead of the new season.
The Canada camp reacted with dismay to the injury. “Koné means everything to this team,” said Canada striker Jonathan David. “If you ask the same question to any guy on this team, they will tell you the same. He is someone that we love a lot.”
Canada coach Jesse Marsch described Koné as “such a great kid” and “a big part of our future”, adding: “He embodies us as a team, it’s a huge loss for us.”
Brescianini emerges as target
With Koné facing months of rehabilitation, Sassuolo have turned their attention to Brescianini. The 24-year-old spent the first half of the 2025-26 season at Atalanta before joining Fiorentina on loan in January, a move that was made permanent following the Tuscan club’s survival.
Despite only recently completing a permanent transfer, Fiorentina are understood to be willing to listen to offers for the Italian midfielder this summer. This stance has placed Brescianini among the options being considered by Sassuolo as they seek urgent reinforcements.
Summer upheaval at Sassuolo
The potential pursuit of Brescianini carries additional intrigue given the managerial changes at both clubs. Fabio Grosso has departed Sassuolo to take charge of Fiorentina, while the Neroverdi have appointed former Fiorentina midfielder Alberto Aquilani as their new head coach.
Aquilani will lead a Serie A team for the first time in his managerial career, facing the immediate challenge of preparing his squad without Koné while integrating new signings.
Sassuolo have also undergone structural changes at executive level, with chief executive Giovanni Carnevali leaving after 12 years to join Juventus as their new CEO and General Manager, replacing Damien Comolli.
No formal bid for Brescianini has been confirmed, though Italian sources indicate active discussions are underway as Sassuolo race to secure cover before the transfer window closes.