Aquilani Praises Sassuolo Maturity in Milan Draw, Questions Disallowed Goal

FolioPitch.com – 12 October 2026 | In a thrilling Serie A encounter on Sunday night, Sassuolo held AC Milan to a 1-1 draw at the Mapei Stadium, but the result was overshadowed by a controversial disallowed goal that left Sassuolo coach Alberto Aquilani questioning the officiating. Aquilani, facing his former club as a head coach for the first time, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance but couldn’t hide his frustration over the disallowed goal. “I haven’t seen it. No, I wanted to see it again because it seemed a bit questionable to me,” he told Sky after the match. The incident occurred in the second half when Sassuolo thought they had taken the lead, only for the referee to rule it out, possibly for a foul in the build-up. The decision proved crucial as Milan earlier took the lead through Adrien Rabiot’s stunning strike, before Sassuolo substitute Odenthal equalized shortly after.

Despite the controversy, Aquilani was keen to highlight the positives, particularly the maturity his team showed against one of Serie A’s top sides. “The most important thing today was the maturity of this team. They understood what kind of game they had to play and tried to play their own way when possible, sometimes a little less cleanly than usual, but I’m very happy,” he said. This maturity was evident in Sassuolo’s response to going behind, as they quickly regrouped and found an equalizer through Odenthal. Aquilani praised his substitutes for increasing the pressure and changing the dynamics of the game. “With the substitutions up front, we increased the pressure, and those who came on did really well,” he added.

The coach also delved into the tactical aspects of the match, noting that his team started well but dropped back after the first half hour, allowing Milan to control possession. “We played very well in the first half hour. Then we dropped back a bit, we gave them too much control, and when you drop back, they push you into the box, and you take risks with such strong players,” Aquilani explained. He emphasized the importance of organization, stating that when his team is organized, they can create passing lanes and spaces for attackers. However, he admitted that on some plays they could have been more organized, as individual quality shines better within a structured framework.

When asked about the disallowed goal, Aquilani reiterated his intention to review the footage, hinting at a sense of injustice. The draw leaves Sassuolo in a respectable position, but the coach knows that such decisions can have a significant impact on the season. Nevertheless, he remains focused on the bigger picture: the growth of his squad. “In difficult moments, we take refuge in our certainties, and this must be our strength, because we know that this is how we can compete with these teams,” he remarked. “Milan are a strong team: it’s normal for them to put you in trouble, it’s normal for them to make you suffer, and in the end, you’re exhausted. That’s precisely why I’m happy, because I saw a mature team.”

Aquilani also shared his thoughts on the development of Sebastiano Esposito, a young forward with immense potential. “I see him more as a number nine or number ten than a winger, so with another striker nearby or an attacking midfielder behind him. I recognise these qualities, but always centrally, inside the pitch,” he said. “I already have important players on the wings with different characteristics. However, I think he can become a great number nine.” This insight reveals Aquilani’s tactical acumen and his willingness to nurture young talent, a trait that will be crucial for Sassuolo’s long-term ambitions.

In conclusion, while the disallowed goal may have denied Sassuolo a famous victory over Milan, Aquilani’s focus on maturity and tactical discipline offers hope for the future. The coach’s ability to inspire his players and adapt to the flow of the game was evident, and if Sassuolo can maintain this level of performance, they could surprise many this season. For now, Aquilani will continue to demand more from his team, knowing that such experiences are vital for their growth. As he put it, the maturity shown against Milan is a foundation upon which to build, and with a bit more luck and sharper decision-making, Sassuolo can turn draws into wins.