With the end of the summer transfer window, Football Italia previews the 2021-22 Serie A campaign and what to expect from Sassuolo. Words Lorenzo Bettoni.
A new era begins for Sassuolo with Alessio Dionisi replacing Roberto De Zerbi in the Neroverdi dog-out and the Mapei Stadium outfit trying to join Serie A’s ‘seven sisters’ to make their return to Europe.
SASSUOLO TRANSFERS IN
Henrique (M, Gremio), Harroui (M, Sparta Rotterdam).
SASSUOLO TRANSFERS OUT
Marlon (D, Shakhtar Donetsk) Turati (G, Reggina), Locatelli (M, Juve), Bourabia (M, Spezia), Haraslin (S, Sparta Praha), Caputo (S, Sampdoria), Brigonla (S, Benevento), Pierini (S, Cesena)
PROBABLE XI
WHAT TO EXPECT
There haven’t been many changes during the summer transfer window, but somehow it feels this will be like year zero for the Neroverdi who have a new coach and saw their stars Ciccio Caputo, Marlon and Manuel Locatelli leave. Brazilian midfielder Henrique arrived from Gremio to replace Locatelli, while Caputo joined Sampdoria on the deadline day, so it seems Gianluca Scamacca will be the regular starter at the Mapei Stadium this season.
It would be intriguing to see how what the promising Italian striker can produce after scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances with Genoa last term. They don’t seem as strong as in 2020-21 on paper, but if a couple of their starlets blossom, then the Neroverdi can again fight for a European spot. They had a promising start to the season with four points in two games.
COACH – DAVIDE DIONISI
Davide Dionisi, a former defender who never managed to make his Serie A debut during his playing career, is one of Italy’s most exciting young coaches. The 41-year-old earned Serie A promotion with Empoli last term and was appointed as the new Sassuolo coach amid controversy. He seemed close to joining Sampdoria, before eventually moving to the Mapei Stadium.
Ironically, the pressure won’t be for him to reach a spot in Europe, but to reproduce the attractive brand of football showed by Sassuolo during Roberto De Zerbi’s three-year spell at the club. The Italian never managed to qualify for Europa League but developed many young players and is considered one of the finest coaches Sassuolo have ever had.
CAPTAIN – FRANCESCO MAGNANELLI
Francesco Magnanelli spent almost his entire career at Sassuolo. During an exclusive interview with Football Italia in November, the 36-year-old explained how the club developed over the last 15 years, going from Italy’s Serie C to Europa League. Magnanelli is one of the dressing room leaders, and surely nobody knows the club as much as him.
He may not play too often, but he will make his presence felt, on and off the pitch. When he isn’t around, defender Gian Marco Ferrari will take the captain armband. This term, the 29-year-old begins his fourth season at the club and will play his 100th game with Sassuolo. He currently has 92 games with the Neroverdi, including the first two of 2021-22 against Hellas Verona and Sampdoria.
PLAYER TO WATCH – DOMENICO BERARDI
After spending his entire career at Sassuolo, Berardi felt it was time to move on and join another club this summer. Fiorentina was one of his favourite destinations, but La Viola was unable to strike a deal in the final days of negotiations, so Berardi will stay at Sassuolo for at least one more season.
The 27-year-old had his best-ever season at the Mapei Stadium last term with 17 goals in 30 appearances. He also won the Euros with Italy and is the absolute star for the Neroverdi this season. If focused and motivated, Berardi will be an added value for Dionisi’s side, starting from the right and cutting inside to shoot or to provide assists with his refined left foot.