Aquilani Faces Risk of Dismissal from Sassuolo

Reports have emerged that Alberto Aquilani, head coach of U.S. Sassuolo Calcio, is at risk of dismissal following five consecutive defeats. Aquilani stated, "I have to be judged on results and I have to question myself." He had been appointed over the summer to replace Fabio Grosso and was previously in negotiations with Torino before finalizing his agreement with Sassuolo.

Despite some positive performances, notably a 3-2 victory over Juventus, Aquilani's record this season includes only four wins, two draws, and seven losses across both Serie A and the Coppa Italia. The most recent setback was a 3-0 defeat to AS Roma, marking the fifth loss in a row, with Sassuolo earning just one point from the last seven matches, that being a draw against AC Milan.

Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia reported that Sassuolo is considering a managerial change during the upcoming international break, with Roberto D'Aversa emerging as the frontrunner to succeed Aquilani. In a post-match commentary after the loss to Roma, Aquilani expressed his disappointment, indicating a lack of courage from his team: "It was as if a light went off. I didn’t expect to see so little from my team. After we went 1-0 down, the game just stopped. I expect more in so many ways, but I cannot hide, I am the one responsible."

This season marks Aquilani's debut in Serie A as a coach, after previously achieving success in Serie B with Pisa and Catanzaro. He acknowledged the challenges of dealing with a team suffering from mental fragility: "It’s hard to lift the players after five defeats in a row. This is football, we need to face reality."

Aquilani was also queried about his relationship with Sassuolo's management, stating, "I haven’t spoken to them yet. I always felt their faith, but obviously I have to be judged on results, and I have to question myself. Many things have to change."