In a clear signal of the changes ahead, Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has confirmed that Fabio Grosso is set to step down as head coach and that no negotiations have taken place with Inter Milan over defender Tarik Muharemovic. Speaking to the media, the long-serving executive provided a transparent update on two of the club's most talked-about figures, setting the stage for a pivotal summer at the Mapei Stadium.
Grosso, who earned legendary status as a player with Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad, took the reins at Sassuolo in challenging circumstances. He immediately delivered, guiding the Neroverdi to Serie A promotion in 2025 after a brief exile in Serie B. In their first season back among the elite, Grosso's side acquitted themselves admirably, finishing 11th on 49 points and playing an attractive brand of football that won admirers across the league. Despite this success, the 48-year-old appears ready for a new challenge.
"With Fabio, we share a special relationship," Carnevali revealed. "We haven't spoken directly yet, but I have been in contact with his agent, and it seems there is a desire not to continue with Sassuolo. We'll meet soon to resolve the situation and identify a successor." The comments, while amicable, leave little doubt that Grosso's tenure is coming to an end after two transformative seasons.
The speculation surrounding Grosso's next destination has been persistent, with Fiorentina and AC Milan frequently mentioned as potential landing spots. Fiorentina, coming off an inconsistent campaign, are evaluating their coaching position, while Milan could be in the market for a tactician capable of restoring them to Champions League contention after a disappointing year. Carnevali, however, stressed that Sassuolo's philosophy is not to obstruct a coach's career progression. "We have always allowed our coaches to pursue opportunities at bigger clubs. Fabio did well, but we also built a strong team," he noted, hinting that the club's infrastructure ensures continuity even amid leadership changes.
Turning to potential replacements, Carnevali mentioned two promising Italian names: Alberto Aquilani and Ignazio Abate. Aquilani, the former Roma and Liverpool midfielder, has been cutting his teeth in management, while Abate, once a stalwart at AC Milan, has drawn praise for his work with youth teams. "They are both excellent profiles, but we are also looking at foreign coaches," Carnevali added. This openness to international candidates reflects Sassuolo's forward-thinking approach, which has previously seen them entrust the bench to emerging talents like Roberto De Zerbi and Eusebio Di Francesco, both of whom used the club as a launching pad to greater heights.
The attention then shifted to Muharemovic, the 22-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international who has blossomed since leaving Juventus for more consistent playing time. The left-footed center-back has been linked with Inter, who are said to be searching for defensive reinforcements. Carnevali was unequivocal: "To date, there is nothing concrete. We have never spoken with Inter about him." He did, however, acknowledge that foreign clubs are circling: "There could be something abroad. In that role, there aren't many players with his characteristics." This statement will alert teams across Europe seeking a ball-playing defender with physicality and composure.
Muharemovic's rise is another testament to Sassuolo's ability to identify and nurture talent. Plucked from Juventus' youth setup, he has developed into a key figure in the Neroverdi backline, making 30 appearances this past season and showcasing a maturity beyond his years. While a move within Serie A to a direct rival like Inter now seems unlikely given Carnevali's denial, a transfer to a foreign league could benefit all parties—offering the player a new stage and Sassuolo a handsome profit to reinvest in their squad.
The broader implications of Carnevali's remarks extend beyond individual names. They reaffirm Sassuolo's identity as a club that melds ambition with pragmatism. Whether grooming coaches for bigger stages or selling prized assets at the opportune moment, the Neroverdi have consistently punched above their weight in Italy's top flight. The impending departure of Grosso and the possible exit of Muharemovic represent not upheaval but rather the natural evolution of a sustainable model.
As the summer window approaches, Sassuolo's leadership will now focus on a thorough coaching search. The mention of foreign candidates suggests a desire to cast a wide net, potentially bringing a fresh tactical perspective to a team that has established itself as a Serie A mainstay. Whoever takes over will inherit a group built on solid foundations, with a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents ready to be polished.
For the fans, Carnevali's candor offers reassurance that plans are in place. While saying goodbye to a coach who delivered promotion and stability is never easy, the club's track record in finding able successors should inspire confidence. Similarly, if Muharemovic departs, the funds will likely be channeled into further squad strengthening, continuing a virtuous cycle that has kept Sassuolo competitive.
In the coming weeks, the picture will sharpen. Meetings with Grosso's camp will finalize his exit, and the search for his replacement will intensify. Simultaneously, Sassuolo's transfer team will weigh any concrete offers for Muharemovic, knowing that his value is at a high. Through it all, Carnevali's words serve as a roadmap for a summer of transition that is, in truth, just another chapter in Sassuolo's remarkable story. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
