Aquilani on Spalletti Evolution and De Rossi Brotherhood Ahead of Sassuolo Season

Sassuolo coach Alberto Aquilani has offered insights into his managerial philosophy and the influences on his career, speaking to *Gazzetta dello Sport*. Aquilani, who recently took the helm at Sassuolo, emphasized the ongoing development of his squad while reflecting on key figures from his playing days, including Luciano Spalletti and his former Roma teammate Daniele De Rossi.

Aquilani described his new team as a “work in progress,” acknowledging the difficulties inherent in the early stages of a new project, especially with the transfer market not yet in full swing. He noted that the squad requires several additions, partly due to injuries such as that of Koné, stressing the need for specific player profiles to accelerate the team’s development rather than just increasing numbers.

Por que importa

Reflecting on his past coaches, Aquilani singled out Luciano Spalletti, with whom he spent five years at Roma. He praised Spalletti’s constant evolution as a coach, stating that the current Italy national team manager always leaves a lasting impression on him. Aquilani also touched upon Massimiliano Allegri’s high-level management of a team of champions and Rafa Benítez, who, through his “English-style” managerial approach, helped Aquilani understand new nuances of the game.

A significant part of Aquilani’s reflection was dedicated to Daniele De Rossi, his former Roma teammate and now an opposing coach. Aquilani expressed deep respect and affection for De Rossi, describing him as “like a brother.” Their shared history at Roma, where they grew up together through the club’s ranks, has forged a strong bond that transcends their rivalry on the pitch. Aquilani also shared his admiration for Francesco Totti, who transitioned from his idol to a teammate and then a friend, remaining a constant reference point throughout his career.

Key facts

The upcoming Serie A season will see Aquilani’s Sassuolo face De Rossi’s side, adding an intriguing layer of personal history to their professional encounters. Aquilani’s comments underscore the deep connections and mutual respect among a generation of Italian football figures now transitioning into coaching roles. For FootballGames10 readers, these insights provide context into the coaching philosophies and personal dynamics that will shape the tactical battles and narratives of the upcoming Serie A campaign, particularly as new coaches like Aquilani seek to establish their identities.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb, https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/sassuolo-aquilani-2255962