Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy – Oct 11: Alberto Aquilani, Sassuolo head coach, before the Serie A clash with AC Milan at Mapei Stadium. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Aquilani admitted Sassuolo allowed Milan to dominate too often, yet praised the squad’s composure in salvaging a 1-1 stalemate.
The Neroverdi have turned into genuine giant‑killers, beating Juventus 3-2 and then forcing Ruben Amorim’s Rossoneri into a draw.
Adrien Rabiot opened the scoring with a thunderous shot that beat Arijanet Muric at the near‑top corner, but Cas Odenthal threaded a finish through a crowd to level shortly after.
Aquilani highlights Sassuolo’s growing maturity. His comment underscores the team’s evolution.
‘We began well but slipped deep, giving Milan the initiative and raising the risk of being pinned in our box,’ Aquilani told Sky Sport Italia.
‘Overall the team grasped what was required. Our passing wasn’t as crisp as recent games, but I’m pleased with the performance.’
‘I sensed the intensity waning, so I introduced fresh legs, and they responded admirably.’
When they fell behind, they struck back within five minutes from a set‑piece, a trademark strength of Sassuolo.
‘That’s the maturity I saw – reading the match, knowing when to push and when to endure. It’s how we can challenge big clubs, even under pressure we’ll see it through,’ Aquilani continued. For my money, this signals a new challenger in the league.
‘In the first half we alternated, at times chaotic, neglecting the passing lanes that opened. Greater organization would let individual talent shine,’ he added.
Sebastiano Esposito earned his senior Italy debut last week, playing beside brother Pio, though Sassuolo envision him as a centre‑forward.
‘I picture him as a No 9 or 10, paired with another striker or a trequartista. With strong wingers around, I prefer different traits in those roles, but he can become an excellent centre‑forward,’ Aquilani concluded.