Sassuolo vs Cesena – News and Probable Lineups

Sassuolo is set to kick off their 2026-27 season on Monday as they host Cesena at the Mapei Stadium in a Coppa Italia fixture before returning to league play next week.

The winner of this Emilian derby in the opening round will face either Frosinone or Juve Stabia in the following month.

Match overview

After a mid-table finish in their Serie A comeback, Sassuolo has had to find a replacement for their promotion-winning manager Fabio Grosso, who quickly accepted a role at Fiorentina.

Grosso led the Neroverdi back to Italy’s top league as champions of the second tier, and once there, ensured their survival with notable performances, including a 2-0 victory over AC Milan at home.

Now, former Roma and Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is tasked with building upon last season’s 11th-place finish after taking over the reins earlier this summer.

Aquilani, who has yet to coach at the highest level, is gearing up for his challenges ahead, but pre-season results have left much to be desired.

After starting with a commanding 4-1 win against Padova, Sassuolo could not secure a victory in their subsequent five friendlies, suffering defeats against Celta Vigo and Augsburg.

Cesena, like Sassuolo who will be heading to Atalanta, will begin their league season next Sunday, welcoming Sampdoria to Stadio Dino Manuzzi.

The Bianconeri hope to improve on last season’s nearly missed Serie B playoff spot, but first, they need to return to the Coppa Italia after their exit to Pisa via penalties last year.

Former Bologna and West Ham United midfielder Alessandro Diamanti, who has recently been involved in coaching in Australia, is now leading the team.

During a significant squad overhaul, Diamanti has guided his side to four friendly victories and a draw, all while maintaining a clean sheet.

Therefore, Cesena might see this as a favorable opportunity to upset their rivals when they clash on Monday evening.

Team News

Sassuolo appears to have made astute signings this summer, including the acquisition of Benjamin Dominguez from Bologna, Vasilije Adzic from Juventus, and Scottish striker Kieron Bowie from Hellas Verona.

Despite significant interest from other clubs, Andrea Pinamonti and Armand Lauriente remain with the Neroverdi, while Tarik Muharemovic has moved to Leeds United, and key midfielder Ismael Kone has sustained a serious injury while playing for Canada during the World Cup.

Fali Cande and Edoardo Pieragnolo are also sidelined, along with Daniel Boloca, whose knee issue may keep him out of action.

For Cesena, the most significant absence is in goal as Jonathan Klinsmann has yet to recover from the injury he sustained against Palermo in April.

Newly signed Antonio Fiori might feature in the attack, supporting Cristian Shpendi, who was the top scorer last season. The Albanian international netted 12 goals in the Serie B during the 2025-26 season.

Sassuolo probable starting XI:

Muric; Missouri, Walukiewicz, Idzes, Doig; Matic, Thorstvedt; Berardi, Adzic, Laurence; Pinamont

Cesena probable starting XI:

Let them be; Ciofi, Zaro, Mangraviti, Frabotta; Bisoli, Castagnetti, Schirone; Flowers, Shpendi, Goats

Although Sassuolo has encountered some difficulties during pre-season and Cesena has shown solidity against lesser opponents, the hosts possess a significantly stronger squad.

Even if new coach Aquilani opts for an experimental lineup for his competitive debut, they are expected to see the match through successfully.