Based in the small Emilia-Romagna town of Sassuolo, this club has become one of Italian football’s most refreshing stories of the 21st century.
Despite being a team from a town of under 50,000 people, U.S. Sassuolo Calcio climbed from Serie C to Serie A in just over a decade, playing attacking football and showcasing young Italian talent.
Sassuolo plays their home games in Reggio Emilia at the Mapei Stadium, rather than in the town of Sassuolo itself, because the town’s stadium, Stadio Enzo Ricci, is too small to accommodate Serie A crowds.
When Sassuolo was promoted to Serie A in 2013, they needed a larger venue and ended up using the Mapei Stadium, which was previously owned by Reggiana.
Though they lack the centuries-old traditions of Italy’s historic clubs, Sassuolo represents ambition, innovation, and local pride.
For fans, supporting Sassuolo is about loyalty to a tight-knit club that defies expectations on and off the pitch.
Last season Fabio Grosso took charge of Sassuolo – his team dominated Serie B, finishing six points ahead second placed Pisa and a massive 16 more than Spezia.
Club Legends
- Domenico Berardi – The ultimate bandiera for Sassuolo. Local hero, Italy international, and loyal to the club since 2012. He helped Sassuolo rise and stay in Serie A.
- Francesco Magnanelli – Long-time former captain and midfield anchor, with over 500 appearances.
- Simone Zaza – Key in the early years of Sassuolo’s Serie A journey.
- Gian Marco Ferrari – Defender and leader, has been central to the club’s stability.
Best Coaches
- Eusebio Di Francesco – Took Sassuolo to their first-ever Serie A promotion in 2013 and later to the UEFA Europa League in 2016.
- Roberto De Zerbi – Known for his bold, possession-heavy football, he established Sassuolo as a stylistic reference point in Serie A.
- Alessio Dionisi – Continued the club’s reputation for entertaining football while developing young talent.
Achievements
- Serie B Champions: 2012–13
- Serie A Participation: From 2013-2024 and now back after one season in Serie B.
- Europa League Group Stage: 2016–17 – Qualified directly by finishing 6th in Serie A.
Though they’ve yet to win major trophies, Sassuolo’s rise, sustainability, and consistency in the top flight are remarkable achievements for a club of its size.
Rivalries and Friendships
- Modena – The historic Derby della Via Emilia, Sassuolo’s traditional local rivalry, though Modena have spent recent years in lower divisions.
- Bologna – A regional rivalry that has grown stronger in Serie A.
- Friendly Relations – Sassuolo maintains a relatively neutral stance in terms of ultras and doesn’t have many firm friendships, given their recent emergence.
Ultra Groups
Sassuolo’s ultras are known as:
- Sassuolo Ultras 1912 – Passionate but smaller in number compared to Italy’s big clubs.
- The atmosphere is often more family-friendly, reflecting the club’s inclusive, community-based model.
Ticket information
- Tickets for Sassuolo matches are affordable compared to other Serie A sides.
- Prices typically range from €15 to €40, depending on the opposition and seating.
- Tickets are available via:
- Official Sassuolo website
- At the stadium on matchdays
- Vivaticket platform
How to get to the stadium
- Stadium: Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore, located in Reggio Emilia, not Sassuolo itself.
- Capacity: Approx. 21,500
- Transport:
- Train to Reggio Emilia (not Reggio Emilia AV)
- Bus or walk (30 minutes) to the stadium from the train station
- Easy access by car; parking available near the stadium
Where to eat and drink before the game
Near the stadium in Reggio Emilia:
- Ristorante Canossa – Traditional Emilian cuisine.
- Caffè Arti e Mestieri – Refined local dishes and a good pre-match atmosphere.
- Birreria Santa Cruz – A relaxed bar popular with local fans for drinks before and after the match.
In Sassuolo (if you decide to visit the town):
- Osteria della Luna – Excellent traditional food with a homey feel.
- Bar Enzo – Classic matchday spot for locals.
What it means to support Sassuolo
Supporting Sassuolo is about backing passion over prestige. The club represents a town and a community that defied football odds to reach Italy’s elite. Fans take pride in:
- Playing entertaining football
- Nurturing Italian talent
- Staying debt-free and family-oriented in an age of commercial superclubs
It’s a club where loyalty, humility, and ambition go hand in hand—and where legends like Berardi choose heart over hype.
