Football Season Guide

Sassuolo have undoubtedly made some giant steps during the past three years, since reaching the top tier of the Italian football for the first time in their history. In fact, in almost no time, they proved capable of turning from relegation fodder into participants to the UEFA Europa League. Their qualification to the European competition was indeed a masterpiece made by coach Di Francesco, who was duly confirmed at the helm of the team also for the new campaign. And the dream is still on. Having eliminated Luzern in the previous round, Sassuolo now need to beat Red Star Beograd in order to reach the Group Stage of the competition. So far, the management were limitedly active in the transfer campaign. In fact, only two main players left, Vrsaljko and Sansone that is, as they were made offers they could not refuse by Spanish Liga clubs. Besides, their wunderkind, Berardi, refused joining Juventus and Inter. For the moment. At the same time, some young, preferably Italian, players arrived. The promising Lirola, an 18-year-old Spaniard on loan from Juventus, could act as back-up for Gazzola at right-back. Sensi made some sensation with Cesena in Serie B and he could very well earn a lot of playing time in the midfield, especially as an alternative to Magnanelli. Sbrissa, returning from a loan to Brescia, could also be given some chances in the midfield while Letschert could turn out to be useful at centre-back, when Cannavaro or Acerbi are missing. The feeling is that more signings could be made after the European clash. In fact, going further in the Europa League could affect the league performance in case of a thin squad.