Former Milan defender Abate eyed by Sassuolo to replace Grosso as head coach

Ignazio Abate head coah of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A-B U16 Final match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca on June 25, 2022 in Ascoli Piceno, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Sassuolo are lining up a move for former Milan defender Ignazio Abate as a potential replacement for Fabio Grosso ahead of next season.

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The Neroverdi are expected to face strong interest in Grosso, with clubs such as Fiorentina and Bologna monitoring his situation, and have already begun identifying possible successors.

According to SassuoloNews, via MilanNews24, Abate has emerged as a leading candidate after impressing in his early coaching career.

The coach enjoyed a highly successful spell with Milan’s Primavera side, guiding them to strong results in youth competitions, before continuing his development at Juve Stabia.

This season, he has led the Serie B side into the play-off race, further enhancing his reputation as one of Italy’s most promising young coaches.

FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 26: Fabio Grosso manager of US Sassuolo looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Sassuolo Calcio at Artemio Franchi on April 26, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Sassuolo keen on Abate to succeed Grosso

Despite being under contract until 2027, the opportunity to step up to Serie A could prove decisive. Sassuolo are believed to have already held initial talks with Abate, with a positive response and a two-year contract discussed as part of the project.

A key factor in Sassuolo’s interest is Abate’s track record in developing young talent, something that aligns closely with the club’s long-standing philosophy. His work at youth level, particularly in European competitions, has marked him out as a coach capable of building and improving emerging players.

His arrival could also influence transfer strategy, potentially opening the door to players he has previously worked with and trusts.

For Abate, the move would represent a major step in his managerial career, offering the chance to establish himself at the top level and continue the pathway from promising coach to a permanent figure in Serie A dugouts.