Aquilani: ‘Sassuolo showed courage and Matic is a champion’ after 3-2 victory over Juventus | OneFootball

Alberto Aquilani praises Sassuolo for the ‘courage’ they showed in beating Juventus 3-2 with the last kick of the game, while Nemanja Matic ‘is a champion on and off the field.’

The Neroverdi fans were on their feet after this thrilling encounter at the Mapei Stadium, which saw them defeat Juve 3-2.

Sebastiano Esposito scored his first goal for the club on a Matic through ball, then Kieron Bowie and Juve-owned Vasilije Adzic secured the victory, despite Edon Zhegrova scoring twice at the other end.

The finale was chaotic, with four goals from the 82nd minute to the 94th, Adzic getting the winner thanks to the last kick of the game.

Aquilani hails Sassuolo courage

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Kieron Bowie of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

“I was already talking yesterday about courage, because we think these are our strengths, and we need the courage to use them even if we’re against Juventus or anyone else,” Aquilani told DAZN Italia.

“That is the most gratifying thing about this victory, and it can give even more belief to these lads. I am fortunate to train them, they gave it their all in every sense today.”

Adzic had been widely tipped to start, but it was Luca Lipani and Kristjan Thorstvedt who were used before the player on loan from Juventus was unleashed.

“I have many talented players and it’s difficult to choose. I also think things have changed with five substitutions, it’s different from my day and players really do feel like they can give their contribution off the bench,” explained the Sassuolo coach.

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Vasilije Adzic of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

“I made this choice because with Esposito, I preferred a player like Thorstvedt in support, but knew that Adzic would make more of a difference against tired legs. Bowie also scored as a substitute, so the players know they can make an impact.”

Matic dictates the tempo from midfield and played a decisive role again this evening, not just with the assist.

“Matic is a champion, not just on the field, but with his attitude, the way he trains, the curiosity he has in dealing with ideas he might not have been used to, so he’s a top player in every sense.

“I came here with different ideas, and I saw everyone eager to explore them, including asking why we were looking for certain things.”

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Vasilije Adzic of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Esposito got his first start and first goal for Sassuolo, after a contract dispute with Cagliari this summer, while Darryl Bakola provided the assist for Adzic off the bench.

“Bakola was a little undecided on which position he was happiest in, but we brought him a little deeper and he felt better. He was also coming off an injury, but I felt he could do damage against tired legs,” added Aquilani.

“Esposito can be a Number 9, a 10, he plays between the lines, but is excellent at finishing. He was out for a while, but he played at a very high level today.”