Aquilani Previews Sassuolo-Milan and Fondly Recalls Season Spent with the Rossoneri

FolioPitch.com – 11 October 2026 | Alberto Aquilani, the new head coach of Sassuolo, addressed the media on the eve of his team’s Serie A clash against AC Milan, as he previews Sassuolo-Milan and fondly recalls season spent with the Rossoneri. The match holds special significance for Aquilani, who donned the Milan jersey during the 2011-12 campaign and now faces his former club as a manager for the first time.

Sassuolo have made a solid start to the season, accumulating seven points from their opening five fixtures, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats. That record places them tenth in the early standings, a respectable position for a side still adapting to Aquilani’s methods. The 39-year-old was appointed in the summer after a successful stint at Catanzaro, and he acknowledged that fully implementing his system will take time. Nevertheless, the early signs have been encouraging, and a positive result against Milan would further boost confidence.

In his pre-match press conference, Aquilani previews Sassuolo-Milan and fondly recalls season spent with the Rossoneri, expressing pride at having worn the iconic red and black stripes. “I’m proud to have worn that glorious jersey,” he said. “The moment you step into Milanello, you realise the greatness of the club. I played in a very strong team, I think the last one before they dismantled it. I was also unlucky because I had an injury that affected me.” That season, Aquilani formed a fruitful partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, providing seven assists in total, a testament to his creative abilities in a star-studded squad.

The midfielder-turned-coach also touched on the challenge posed by Milan, describing them as a strong team with undeniable quality. “We are facing a strong team. We all know the value of this team and this club,” he remarked. “We have done well so far, but we need more cynicism in both areas. Games aren’t won by how they are played, but by the moments that determine the match, and we need to be more clinical.” His words underline a pragmatic approach, emphasising efficiency over aesthetics.

Aquilani provided a positive update on his squad’s fitness, revealing that all players have recovered, though their match sharpness varies. “They have all recovered, but obviously they have different paths. So some are ready and some are a little less so, but yesterday was the first day with everyone available,” he explained. This depth could prove crucial against a Milan side known for its intensity.

Another intriguing subplot is Aquilani’s reunion with Alphadjo Cisse, a player he coached at Catanzaro last season. The young forward now plies his trade at Milan, and Aquilani will be eager to see how his former protégé fares, albeit hoping to keep him quiet on the night.

The coach also spoke about Milan’s current manager, Ruben Amorim, whom he briefly encountered during his playing spell in Portugal with Sporting CP. When asked if he would greet Amorim in Portuguese, Aquilani laughed: “I will say hello to him in Italian. I don’t remember my Portuguese anymore. I only played one season in Portugal. I was coached by Jorge Jesus, who really inspired me and was very important to me. Amorim made history in Portugal. He won there after so many years. He played some top-level seasons. I respect him.” The mutual respect between the two coaches adds another layer of intrigue to the fixture.

As Aquilani previews Sassuolo-Milan and fondly recalls season spent with the Rossoneri, it is clear that the encounter carries emotional weight. Yet, his focus remains on securing a result for his current employers. Sassuolo will need to be at their clinical best to overcome a Milan side that, despite recent fluctuations, possesses formidable talent. The tactical battle between Aquilani’s emerging Sassuolo and Amorim’s Milan will be fascinating to watch.

In conclusion, Alberto Aquilani’s return to San Siro as an opposing coach marks a poignant chapter in his career. His affection for Milan remains undimmed, but professional duties demand that he plots their downfall. For Sassuolo, a positive outcome would signal their growing competitiveness under a promising young manager. For Milan, it is an opportunity to assert their credentials against a coach who knows the club intimately. As the teams prepare to lock horns, all eyes will be on Aquilani, a man who once graced the Rossoneri midfield and now seeks to outwit them from the dugout.