# Sassuolo Crisis Deepens After Fifth Consecutive Defeat Manager Alberto Aquilani faces potential dismissal following a heavy loss to Roma. - **Source:** [La Gazzetta dello Sport – Ultime](https://www.gazzetta.it) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/06cce06e-7738-42cc-ae85-c07dbb48b8c7 ## Fifth Consecutive Defeat Sassuolo suffered a heavy 3-0 loss against Roma, marking their fifth straight defeat in Serie A. This negative streak has pushed the club into a critical phase of reflection. The team currently struggles with both technical execution and mental resilience, failing to compete effectively against top-tier opponents in recent matches. ## Aquilani Accepts Responsibility Manager Alberto Aquilani openly admitted his role in the team's current decline after the match. He stated that the squad has lost its spark, noting a lack of personality and excessive errors during ball possession. Aquilani emphasized that he is the primary person responsible for the team's poor performance levels. ## Mental Health Deficit The manager identified a significant psychological deficit within the squad, which is currently hindering their ability to perform on the field. Aquilani revealed that coaching staff are prioritizing mental recovery over tactical training sessions. The pressure of consecutive losses has made players hesitant, causing them to lose their usual lightness. ## Uncertain Managerial Future While Aquilani previously felt supported by the club, he acknowledges that his position is now under scrutiny due to the lack of positive results. He is actively putting himself in discussion regarding his future. The upcoming league break serves as a pivotal moment for the management to evaluate his tenure. ## Demands of Serie A Aquilani highlighted that the current squad is failing to meet the rigorous demands of the Italian top flight. He noted that when a team loses repeatedly, the ball becomes difficult to manage and confidence evaporates. Significant changes are required across multiple areas to address the team's ongoing competitive struggles. ## Tactical and Technical Failures Beyond the psychological aspect, the team is suffering from fundamental technical errors. Aquilani expressed surprise at how little the team produced during the Roma match, noting that they were never truly in the game. The inability to maintain possession or execute basic plays has become a recurring theme this season. ## The Role of Breaks The upcoming international break provides a rare window for the Sassuolo hierarchy to assess the coaching situation without the immediate pressure of a midweek fixture. This period is expected to be decisive for determining whether Aquilani remains in charge or if the club will seek a new direction for leadership. ## Historical Context of Slumps In Serie A, prolonged losing streaks often lead to immediate managerial changes to spark a reaction from the squad. Sassuolo now faces the challenge of breaking this cycle before they fall further behind in the standings. The club must decide if a coaching change is the necessary catalyst for improvement. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Sassuolo/07-11-2026/aquilani-dopo-roma-sassuolo-si-e-spenta-la-luce-devono-cambiare-tante-cose.shtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._