Sassuolo

No one can talk about Sassuolo without first highlighting their breathtaking journey to the apex of Italian football. A tale worthy of any scriptwriter, Sassuolo’s ascent from the obscurity of the lower tiers to the bright lights of Serie A is the stuff of legends. In the 2012-2013 season, the then-minnows achieved the unimaginable – promotion to Serie A for the first time in their history. A dream come true for the small town of Sassuolo, based in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Since then, they have not only survived but thrived, solidifying their place among Italy’s elite and becoming a consistent mid-table side.

Sassuolo’s Stalwarts

In the exciting world of Italian football, Sassuolo has been graced by the talents of several notable players who went on to make a significant impact in other major leagues worldwide. For instance, Simone Zaza, the charismatic forward, shone brightly in his time at Sassuolo before making notable moves to Juventus in Serie A and later Valencia in La Liga.

Another name that rings a bell is Domenico Berardi. The exceptional winger, who came up through the youth ranks, is well-known for his agility and his lethal right foot. His performances for Sassuolo drew interest from several major clubs, though he remained loyal to the Black and Greens.

Furthermore, Sassuolo was the stepping-stone for the rapid growth of the Serie A top defender, Francesco Acerbi. Before becoming a stalwart for Lazio and earning caps for the Italian national team, Acerbi made a name for himself in Sassuolo’s backline.

A Friendly Feud

The intensity of rivalries in football is a compelling spectacle, and Sassuolo has had its fair share. Their most notable feud is with Modena, a club also located in the Emilia-Romagna region. Though Modena currently plays in Serie C, the rivalry runs deep and dates back to their time together in the lower leagues.

In Serie A, however, Sassuolo’s games against Parma and Bologna also generate considerable buzz due to the regional proximity. Outside of Italy, Sassuolo’s Champions League clashes with clubs like Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund have created a captivating narrative, despite the differences in history and resources.

The Majestic Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore

Watching a game at the Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore is a unique experience. The atmosphere is electric, the fans are passionate, and the football is pure artistry. The Curva Nord, where the hardcore Sassuolo supporters sit, provides the heart and soul of the atmosphere. Here, tickets are cheaper and usually cost around 25 Euros. For a more luxurious experience, the Tribuna d’Onore offers a great view and amenities but comes with a higher price tag, typically around 75 Euros. The Distinti section offers a nice balance between cost and view with tickets priced around 45 Euros.

Sassuolo’s Journey Continues

In summary, Sassuolo is a club with a beautiful story, a rich history of players who’ve moved on to bigger clubs, and rivals that make the beautiful game even more exciting. Their home, the Mapei Stadium, provides fans with a range of options to enjoy their time in the stands. For those embarking on the thrilling adventure of Serie A, watching Sassuolo play is undoubtedly a charming and affordable prospect.

Wait, There is More!

• Youth Development: Sassuolo is known for its excellent youth development program. Domenico Berardi, for example, was a product of their youth system and he made quite an impact in Serie A and the national team.
• Historic Win: One of Sassuolo’s most famous victories came in the 2015-2016 season when they beat AC Milan 2-0 at San Siro. It was a game that truly announced their presence in the Serie A.
• Unique Ownership: The club is owned by Giorgio Squinzi, the CEO of Mapei, a leading company in the building materials industry. It’s uncommon for a top-flight football team to be owned by a company outside of the sports or media sectors.
• Notable Coach: Sassuolo’s rise in the Serie A ranks was majorly credited to Eusebio Di Francesco, their coach from 2012-2017. He later went on to manage AS Roma and took them to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2018.
• Record Goal Scorer: Domenico Berardi is Sassuolo’s all-time top scorer, with over 100 goals for the club in Serie A as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. His outstanding contributions have played a significant role in Sassuolo’s journey in the Italian top flight.
• Europa League History: Sassuolo qualified for the UEFA Europa League during the 2016-2017 season, their first major international competition, signifying another milestone in their dramatic rise.