Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali confirms Giacomo Raspadori is benched against Juventus because negotiations with Napoli ‘are in progress, they have not stalled, but the transfer window should’ve shut when the season began.’
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
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“We ae trying to give a sense of consistency to what we’ve done over the years, allowing young especially Italian players to flourish,” Carnevali told DAZN.
Among those talents is Raspadori, who is reportedly on the verge of a move to Napoli, and coincidentally is only on the bench this evening.
“Raspadori is a great professional, he has behaved in exemplary fashion, but there’s no point denying these rumours can confuse matters. I think it was a choice from the coach.
“There are these negotiations in progress, they have not stalled, it disappoints us to do without a player of great talent in an important match.
“I feel that the transfer window should’ve shut when the season began, because otherwise it is not fair and we feel damaged by that. We’re not holding anyone back, but if Sassuolo have to sell, we do it at the right conditions.”
Sassuolo were reportedly demanding €35m for Raspadori, whereas Napoli had most recently offered €25m plus bonuses.
“We made our request, we don’t want to be taken for a selling club, but inevitably it is affecting the player. In any case, one way or another, these negotiations will reach a conclusion.”
Sassuolo are also eager to renew Domenico Berardi’s contract, despite Carnevali confirming he “received interest from Italy and abroad.”