Sassuolo signal openness to Thorstvedt while vowing no January exits
Francesco Palmieri, sporting director of Sassuolo, contrasted the club’s recent triumph over Juventus and draw with Milan with a firm stance on the winter market: the team remains open to signing goalkeeper Thorstvedt but will not sell any player in January.
Strong start bolsters confidence
The victory against Juventus followed by a stalemate with Milan underlines Sassuolo’s excellent start to the Serie A campaign. Palmieri told TMW that the side “started well, coming from two superb matches against top‑level opponents”. He added that the win over Juventus gave “great satisfaction”, and the draw with Milan was equally valuable.
He stressed that the league is long and challenges will arise, but the early form is “positive”. The club’s primary objective, is survival – “absolutely, it is our first goal and the only certainty we have is to stay in the division”.
Ambitions beyond mere survival
Despite the focus on safety, Palmieri highlighted the quality of the squad assembled this season, describing it as a “first‑level roster”. He praised the head coach, Alberto Aquilani, for his clear ideas and noted that the team’s feet are “firmly on the ground”.
When asked whether Aquilani is a “predestined” coach for Sassuolo, Palmieri replied affirmatively, recalling his long‑standing relationship with Aquilani from his playing days and youth‑team work. He lauded Aquilani’s “courage” and “different” approach, saying the coach has found the ideal environment to unleash his potential.
Youth development and future prospects
Palmieri pointed to the club’s tradition of promoting youngsters, naming Simone Cinquegrano as the latest academy graduate to reach the first team after a strong Serie C spell. He also praised Aquilani for giving confidence to players such as Lipani, Volpato and Bakola, alongside established stars like Domenico Berardi and Mateo Matic.
Other emerging talents mentioned were Adzic, described as a “player of great perspective”, and Bowie, who possesses “strength, dynamism and power”. Palmieri believes Bowie can improve his consistency under Aquilani’s guidance.
Internationally, Sebastiano Esposito’s performances for the national side impressed Palmieri, who has known the player since childhood and believes he can achieve much more if he believes in himself.
Regarding the potential Thorstvedt move, Palmieri confirmed “there is openness on our side”. Yet he reiterated the club’s January policy: “we will not sell anyone”. This dual message reflects Sassuolo’s ambition to strengthen while safeguarding its core squad.