Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali admits it has ‘not been an easy week’ for them dealing with a whooping cough outbreak, but they ‘feel ready to have our say’ against Juventus anyway.
It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
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SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Kristian Thorstvedt of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Atalanta BC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 01, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Neroverdi are dealing with a truly extraordinary situation, as an outbreak of whooping cough has spread throughout the squad.
There is one confirmed diagnosis, with five others isolated after exhibiting symptoms, although the club has not named any of them due to privacy concerns.
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It is fairly easy to work out who is missing from the squad today, namely Nemanja Matic, Kristian Thorstvedt, Woyo Coulibaly and Stefano Turati.
Sassuolo were already without injured Fali Candé, Alieu Fadera, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo.
Carnevali has faith in decimated Sassuolo
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Giovanni Carnevali, US Sassuolo Calcio CEO, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“The week has certainly not been an easy one, but we’ve got to focus on the match against a very strong team,” Carnevali told Sky Sport Italia and DAZN Italia.
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“When you face a side like Juventus, you will always have extra motivation, regardless of the circumstances. We know that we are not in the best situation possible, but we do feel ready to have our say in this game.
“The players who were taken ill are already improving, it’s part of the game and it gives an opportunity to those who haven’t played as much.”
The build-up has seen Sassuolo bring back Covid-era protocols to prevent the spread of this highly-infectious illness, which can even be fatal for babies.
That includes not shaking hands before kick-off, no exchange of jerseys at the final whistle, while families were warned not to get too close together in the stands either.
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“Even if we haven’t beaten the big clubs yet this season, we always caused them a lot of problems.”
Darryl Bakola joins Sassuolo from Olympique Marseille
There is a first start for 18-year-old Darryl Bakola, who was purchased from Olympique Marseille in January for €10m plus €2m in add-ons.
“He is a young player and Sassuolo always trust youth, we made a big investment, we wanted him at all costs and beat a lot of competition from more prestigious clubs,” explained Carnevali.
“His growth process certainly doesn’t depend on this match, it’s a long-term project, and we believe Sassuolo is the ideal club for him to flourish.”
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The Neroverdi have a veteran too, as Domenico Berardi was called up for the Italy squad going into the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
“I had hoped he would get that call, as Domenico is having a great season. We’ve just got to hope that the Nazionale reach the World Cup, regardless of Berardi.”
