Alberto Aquilani has been officially appointed as the new manager of Sassuolo, the club confirmed on Tuesday. He replaces Fabio Grosso, who departed the Serie A side earlier this month. Aquilani arrives from Catanzaro, where he previously held the managerial position.
Sassuolo are preparing for the 2026/27 Serie A season and will be looking to build a new identity under the 38-year-old Italian coach. Aquilani’s appointment marks a significant step for the club, signaling a desire for a tactical overhaul following Grosso’s exit. The club showcased glimpses of Aquilani’s tactical approach in a recent 4-1 friendly victory over Padova.
Aquilani enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a midfielder, representing clubs such as Roma, Liverpool, and Juventus. He won a Serie A title with Roma in 2001 and also featured for the Italian national team, earning 13 caps. His transition into management began with a focus on developing tactical flexibility and attacking football, principles reportedly evident in his work at Catanzaro.
While details of Aquilani’s contract were not disclosed, the move is seen as a calculated risk by Sassuolo’s ownership. Grosso had stabilized the team after a difficult period, but the club appears to be aiming for a more progressive style of play under Aquilani’s guidance. The early signs from pre-season suggest a commitment to a modern, possession-based approach.
Aquilani’s initial task will be to integrate his tactical ideas into the existing Sassuolo squad and prepare the team for the challenges of Serie A. The appointment represents a new chapter for both the manager and the club, with expectations high for a positive impact on the pitch. This appointment could signal a shift towards a more proactive and tactically nuanced style of play for Sassuolo.
