A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Retro Sassuolo Jersey When it comes to Italian football, one cannot help but think of historic clubs such as AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan or Rome’s AS Roma and Lazio. However, among the rich tapestry of Italian football history, there is a less known yet significant club that holds […]
When it comes to Italian football, one cannot help but think of historic clubs such as AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan or Rome’s AS Roma and Lazio. However, among the rich tapestry of Italian football history, there is a less known yet significant club that holds a special place in the hearts of its dedicated fanbase: US Sassuolo Calcio. In this article, we take you on a journey through time as we explore the retro Sassuolo jersey, delving into the club’s history, its iconic kit colours, the Mapei Stadium and the legacy of its most influential players.
US Sassuolo Calcio was established in 1920 in the small town of Sassuolo, located in the province of Modena, Italy. For the majority of its existence, the club lingered in the lower tiers of Italian football, operating on a strictly amateur basis. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 21st century that Sassuolo began to make its mark on the Italian football landscape.
The turning point in the club’s fortunes came in 2002 when Giorgio Squinzi, President of the Mapei chemicals company, acquired Sassuolo and set the team on a trajectory towards professionalism. Though it would take another decade, Squinzi’s vision for the club eventually bore fruit in grand style. In the 2012-2013 season, under the guidance of head coach Eusebio Di Francesco, Sassuolo clinched the Serie B title and secured promotion to Serie A for the first time in the club’s history.
Since then, Sassuolo has successfully cemented its position in the top tier of Italian football, achieving notable success along the way. A seventh-place finish in the 2015-2016 season saw the team secure a place in the UEFA Europa League for the first time, giving international exposure to the club’s distinctive green and black colours.
One of the defining features that commands attention and provides an instant visual identity for Sassuolo is its unique and striking kit colours. The primary traditional colour of Sassuolo is a vivid shade of green, contrasted by stark black accents. This signature colour combination has remained largely consistent throughout the club’s history, reflecting the local identity of the town of Sassuolo itself.
The retro Sassuolo jersey is especially popular due to its classic simplicity and bold colours. Fans of the team value the nostalgia evoked by the retro jersey, which transports them back to an era before multinational sponsors and heavily commercialised football. A traditional green and black striped pattern dominates the shirt, often accompanied by a simple black collar and a minimalistic black crest.
Sassuolo’s kit manufacturers have varied over the years, with notable partnerships including Kappa, Lotto, and most recently, Puma. As football fashion trends have evolved, so too has the design of the Sassuolo kit. However, the fundamental essence of the retro Sassuolo jersey – those iconic green and black colours – has remained a constant thread in the tapestry of the club’s identity.
Since 2013, Sassuolo has called the Mapei Stadium (originally known as Stadio Città del Tricolore) its home. With a capacity of 21,500, this modern, multi-purpose stadium provides a fitting environment for the Neroverdi (Black and Greens) to contest their Serie A battles. Located in Reggio Emilia, the stadium is well-equipped to host the ever-growing fanbase of US Sassuolo Calcio, efficiently managing the demands of the modern football experience.
Prior to their move to Mapei Stadium, Sassuolo contested their matches at the Stadio Enzo Ricci. Sassuolo’s promotion to Serie A necessitated a move to a larger and more appropriately regulated stadium. Though the Mapei Stadium is shared with Reggiana, another Italian football team, it’s hard to deny that the impressive architecture and state-of-the-art facilities make it a fitting home for US Sassuolo Calcio.
As we look back at the history of Sassuolo and its iconic retro jersey, it’s important to acknowledge the players who have played a crucial part in shaping the club’s legacy. While Sassuolo may not boast the same volume of world-class players as other Italian giants, there have been numerous players who’ve left an indelible mark on the club’s history.
Some standout players in Sassuolo’s relatively short yet storied past include:
– Domenico Berardi: A youth product of the club who has remained loyal to Sassuolo throughout his career, Berardi is a prolific goalscorer and talisman for the team. Already considered a club legend, his performances in the green and black have made him one of the most sought-after players in Italian football.
– Francesco Magnanelli: A Sassuolo stalwart, Magnanelli’s dedication and leadership have been invaluable over the years as the team climbed the ranks of Italian football. His 13-year association with Sassuolo has seen him become a mainstay in the midfield, wearing the captain’s armband with honour and pride.
– Simone Zaza: Though his stay at Sassuolo was brief, Zaza’s goalscoring exploits during the 2013-2015 period were crucial in helping the team consolidate their Serie A status.
These influential players, together with many other individuals who have donned the iconic green and black of the retro Sassuolo jersey, have etched their names into the fabric of this remarkable football club and laid the foundations upon which future generations will build.
From humble beginnings to rubbing shoulders with the giants of Italian football, US Sassuolo Calcio has come a long way in a relatively short period. The retro Sassuolo jersey serves as a vibrant reminder of this incredible journey and is a testament to the unique identity and spirit that defines the Neroverdi.
