Manuel Locatelli’s brother Mattia admits Roberto De Zerbi changed the career of the Juventus midfielder at Sassuolo and reveals why he snubbed a move to Arsenal in 2021.
The Italy international joined Juventus on an initial loan deal with an option to buy a year and a half ago and the Bianconeri made his move permanent in January following his first appearance in 2023.
His older brother Mattia spoke to LacasadiC, going through the best and the most challenging moment in the midfielder’s career.
“He suffered at Milan, he was only 18 but was seen as the man who could solve all their problems,” he said.
“He didn’t have the self-confidence he’s built through the years. We read criticism and insults, he is my brother and it hurt. He had to block comments on social media.
“My parents were so important, Manuel has a strong bond with them, having left home when he was very young. He always calls them when he has time and my father attends every home game.”
Locatelli left Milan for Sassuolo in 2018 on loan with an obligation to buy for €14m.
“It was the most difficult step, it wasn’t easy to leave Milan and San Siro,” admitted Locatelli’s brother.
“He’s always felt it was a step back. He struggled a bit in the first season, but there was a u-turn when De Zerbi arrived. He helped him so much, and his growth helped him make his Italy debut.”
Locatelli now has 24 appearances and three goals with the Azzurri and was part of the team that won the Euros in 2021.
He joined Juventus a few weeks after the Azzurri’s triumph at Wembley.
“I remember that negotiations were lengthy. Arsenal were interested too, but he only wanted Juventus.
“Club directors [Juventus and Sassuolo’s] met many times without reaching an agreement. I was reading Gazzetta every day to have updates. Manuel was training separately at Sassuolo, hoping for a transfer. The day he made his debut, he sent us a picture with the Juventus shirt, saying: ‘I made it.’
“He gives his all for Juventus, at the beginning, he felt it wasn’t real, but then he understood there was a reason for him to be there. He was so happy and has become a friend of many players, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Alvaro Morata and Matthijs de Ligt.”
Locatelli has 25 appearances across all competitions with Juventus this season and his contract at the Allianz Stadium expires in June 2026.