Sassuolo Calcio: The Underdog Story You Need To Know

Sassuolo Calcio, often simply called Sassuolo, is an Italian professional football club based in Sassuolo, Emilia-Romagna. While many football fans are familiar with giants like Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, Sassuolo has carved out a unique and compelling story in the landscape of Italian football. Let's dive into the fascinating journey of this underdog club, exploring its history, key moments, and what makes it special.

The Rise of Sassuolo: From Serie D to Serie A

The history of Sassuolo Calcio is a testament to perseverance and smart management. Founded in 1920, the club spent much of its early years in the lower tiers of Italian football. For decades, they remained a relatively unknown entity, competing in Serie D and the regional leagues. However, the late 2000s marked a turning point in the club's fortunes. Thanks to the investment and vision of the Squinzi family, owners of the MAPEI Group (a leading company in the construction and ceramic industries), Sassuolo began its ascent through the ranks.

The Squinzi family's involvement brought financial stability and a long-term strategy to the club. They invested in infrastructure, youth development, and, crucially, in acquiring talented players and coaching staff. This investment paid off handsomely. In 2006, Sassuolo achieved promotion to Serie C1 (now Lega Pro Prima Divisione). Just two years later, in 2008, they made history by winning the Serie C1 title and securing promotion to Serie B, the second-highest division in Italian football. This was a monumental achievement for a club that had spent so long in the lower leagues.

But Sassuolo's ambition didn't stop there. After several seasons of consolidation in Serie B, the club achieved the unthinkable in 2013: promotion to Serie A, the top flight of Italian football. This promotion was a dream come true for the fans and a remarkable achievement for a club of Sassuolo's size and history. It marked the beginning of a new era for the Neroverdi (the Green-Blacks, the club's colors), and they were determined to make their mark on the national stage. Their journey from obscurity to the top flight is a powerful reminder that with the right vision, investment, and dedication, even the smallest clubs can achieve great things. It’s a story that resonates with football fans who love to see underdogs challenge the established order.

Key Players and Coaching Maestros

Sassuolo's success isn't just about money; it's also about the people who have represented the club on and off the pitch. Throughout their rise, several key players and coaches have played pivotal roles in shaping the club's identity and achieving its goals. One name that immediately comes to mind is Eusebio Di Francesco. As the coach of Sassuolo from 2012 to 2017, Di Francesco implemented an attacking and attractive style of play that became synonymous with the club. His tactical nous and ability to get the best out of his players were instrumental in their Serie A promotion and subsequent success.

Di Francesco's emphasis on attacking football and developing young talent created a vibrant and exciting team to watch. He fostered a culture of belief and instilled a clear tactical identity that allowed Sassuolo to compete with bigger and wealthier clubs. Under his guidance, players like Domenico Berardi, Simone Zaza, and Nicola Sansone blossomed into Serie A stars, attracting attention from top clubs across Europe. These players, in turn, became integral to Sassuolo's success, contributing goals, assists, and a relentless work ethic.

Beyond Di Francesco, other coaches like Roberto De Zerbi have also left their mark on the club. De Zerbi, known for his innovative and possession-based style of play, continued to build on Di Francesco's foundations, further establishing Sassuolo as one of the most exciting and tactically interesting teams in Serie A. He also helped develop players like Manuel Locatelli, who went on to become a key player for Juventus and the Italian national team. The ability to attract and develop talented players and coaches has been a hallmark of Sassuolo's success, and it's a testament to the club's commitment to long-term growth and sustainable development. It is a testament to the club's commitment to long-term growth and sustainable development.

Memorable Moments and Serie A Highlights

Sassuolo's time in Serie A has been filled with memorable moments and impressive achievements. One of the most significant was their sixth-place finish in the 2015-16 season, which secured them a place in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds. This was a historic achievement for the club, marking their first-ever participation in European competition. Although their Europa League journey was short-lived, it was a proud moment for the fans and a testament to the progress the club had made in a relatively short period.

Other highlights include memorable victories against some of Italy's biggest clubs. Sassuolo has consistently punched above its weight, defeating Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Roma on numerous occasions. These victories have not only earned them valuable points but have also showcased their ability to compete with the best in the league. Domenico Berardi, in particular, has been a thorn in the side of many top teams, scoring crucial goals and providing match-winning performances.

Beyond the results on the pitch, Sassuolo has also gained a reputation for playing attractive and entertaining football. Their attacking style and commitment to developing young talent have made them a popular team among neutral fans. They have become known as a club that is not afraid to take on the big boys, and they have consistently challenged the established order in Serie A. This commitment to playing attractive football has not only brought them success on the pitch but has also helped them build a strong and loyal fan base. The memorable moments and exciting style of play have solidified Sassuolo's place in the hearts of Italian football fans.

The Mapei Stadium and the Sassuolo Community

The Mapei Stadium, also known as the Città del Tricolore, is more than just a football stadium; it's the heart and soul of Sassuolo Calcio and its community. Located in Reggio Emilia, the stadium has been home to Sassuolo since 2008, and it has witnessed some of the club's most memorable moments. With a capacity of over 21,000, the stadium provides an intimate and passionate atmosphere for fans, creating a strong sense of belonging and community.

The Squinzi family's MAPEI Group purchased the stadium in 2013, renaming it the Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore. This investment demonstrated their commitment to the club and the local community. The stadium has since been renovated and modernized, providing state-of-the-art facilities for players and fans alike. It has also become a symbol of Sassuolo's ambition and progress, reflecting the club's journey from the lower leagues to Serie A.

The relationship between Sassuolo Calcio and its community is incredibly strong. The club is deeply rooted in the local area, and it plays an active role in promoting social and cultural initiatives. The players and staff are often involved in community events, and the club is committed to supporting local charities and organizations. This strong connection with the community has helped to create a loyal and passionate fan base, who are fiercely proud of their team. The Mapei Stadium serves as a gathering place for the community, a place where people can come together to celebrate their shared love of football and support their local team.

What the Future Holds for Sassuolo

Looking ahead, the future of Sassuolo Calcio looks bright. While they may not have the financial resources of some of the bigger clubs in Serie A, they have a solid foundation in place and a clear vision for the future. Their commitment to developing young talent, playing attractive football, and maintaining a strong connection with the community will be crucial to their long-term success.

The club's ownership remains committed to investing in the team and the infrastructure. They have a proven track record of making smart decisions, and they are determined to continue building on the progress that has already been made. The focus will be on developing young players, both from Italy and abroad, and integrating them into the first team. The club will also continue to look for talented coaches who can implement their vision and help the team to reach its full potential.

Of course, there will be challenges along the way. Serie A is a highly competitive league, and Sassuolo will need to continue to adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the game. However, with their strong foundation, clear vision, and unwavering commitment to their values, Sassuolo Calcio is well-positioned to continue its remarkable journey and achieve even greater success in the years to come. Their future success hinges on maintaining their core values and continuing to build a sustainable model that allows them to compete with the best in Italian football. The journey of Sassuolo Calcio is a testament to the power of ambition, vision, and community spirit in the world of football.