Giovanni Carnevali, Sassuolo’s director, acknowledged a ‘challenging week’ for the club, which has been grappling with a pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak. Despite these difficulties, he affirmed the team’s readiness to ‘make an impact’ in their upcoming match against Juventus.
The game is scheduled to commence at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET) at the Allianz Juventus Stadium.
The ‘Neroverdi’ (Sassuolo’s nickname) are navigating an unusual and challenging period, as a whooping cough outbreak has affected numerous members of their squad.
The club has confirmed one diagnosis and isolated five other individuals who are displaying symptoms. For privacy reasons, Sassuolo has not publicly identified the affected players.
It’s relatively apparent which players are absent from today’s lineup, including Nemanja Matic, Kristian Thorstvedt, Woyo Coulibaly, and Stefano Turati.
Compounding these issues, Sassuolo was already missing Fali Candé, Alieu Fadera, Daniel Boloca, and Edoardo Pieragnolo due to existing injuries.
Carnevali Expresses Confidence in Short-Handed Sassuolo Squad
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia and DAZN Italia, Carnevali stated, “This week has undoubtedly been difficult, but our focus must be entirely on the match against a formidable opponent. Facing a team of Juventus’s caliber inherently provides additional motivation, irrespective of the current conditions. While we acknowledge that our situation isn’t optimal, we are prepared to compete vigorously in this encounter. The affected players are already showing signs of recovery, and this situation presents a valuable opportunity for those who have seen less playing time.”
In preparation for the match, Sassuolo has reinstated health protocols reminiscent of the Covid-19 era to contain the highly contagious illness, which poses a significant risk, especially to infants. These measures include refraining from handshakes before the game, avoiding jersey exchanges post-match, and advising families in the stands to maintain physical distancing.
Carnevali added, “Although we haven’t secured victories against top clubs this season, we have consistently presented them with considerable challenges.”
The match marks the inaugural start for 18-year-old Darryl Bakola, whom Sassuolo acquired from Olympique Marseille in January for a reported €10 million, with an additional €2 million in potential add-ons.
Carnevali elaborated on Bakola’s debut: “He is a promising young talent, and Sassuolo consistently champions youth development. We made a substantial investment to secure him, pursuing him determinedly despite competition from more renowned clubs. His development trajectory is not solely reliant on this single match; it’s a long-term endeavor, and we are convinced that Sassuolo provides the perfect environment for him to thrive.”
Among the ‘Neroverdi’ ranks is also seasoned player Domenico Berardi, though he was not selected for the Italy squad heading into the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
Regarding Berardi’s national team omission, Carnevali commented, “I had genuinely hoped he would receive the call-up, as Domenico is enjoying an excellent season. Ultimately, our primary wish is for the Nazionale to qualify for the World Cup, regardless of individual selections.”