Sassuolo Names Davide Ballardini as Manager Until Season’s End

Managerial Change Amid Relegation Threat

Sassuolo Reacts to League Defeats with Quick Managerial Appointment

Sassuolo announced the appointment of Davide Ballardini (60) as manager until the end of the season. He replaces caretaker boss Emiliano Bigica (50) after just one game in charge, the Serie A club announced on Friday.

Bigica assumed the role after the club sacked Alessio Dionisi last weekend. Dionisi’s dismissal followed a streak of six league matches without a win, which saw Sassuolo slide into relegation danger. Dionisi had held the position since taking over from Roberto De Zerbi in 2021.

The team’s 6-1 home defeat by Napoli on Wednesday further compounded their situation, dropping Sassuolo to 18th place. This prompted swift action, with Bigica returning to his previous role as youth team manager.

Ballardini boasts managerial experience with several Serie A clubs including Cagliari, Palermo, Lazio, Genoa, and Bologna. His most recent tenure was at Cremonese, where his team suffered relegation to Serie B. The club dismissed him in September following a poor start to the current season.

This Sunday, Sassuolo will face Hellas Verona, currently positioned 17th and level on 20 points with both Sassuolo and Cagliari in 19th place.