Grosso: ‘Juventus deserve credit’ for crushing Sassuolo

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 6:01 PM ET

Fabio Grosso admits ‘Juventus deserve credit’ for dominating the performance against his Sassuolo, but it’s ‘part of the growth process’ for a newly-promoted team.

The Neroverdi went into this game with limited options, as Domenico Berardi, Cristian Volpato, Filippo Romagna, Daniel Boloca and Edoardo Pieragnolo were injured, plus Woyo Coulibaly at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kristian Thorstvedt then went off before half-time with a shoulder injury.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Kristian Thorstvedt of US Sassuolo Calcio received medical treatment to his shoulder during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

They were unlucky on the opening goal, as Tarek Muharemovic’s deflection took the Pierre Kalulu cross past Arijanet Muric, who it seems Juventus knew would stray off his line and leave the net vulnerable.

However, Juve dominated throughout with numerous chances, making it stick in the second half with Fabio Miretti and Jonathan David pouncing on defensive errors.

Grosso recognises Juventus strength

SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Fabio Grosso, Head Coach of US Sassuolo Calcio, reacts during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We had prepared it in a different way to how we actually played, but Juventus deserve credit for that,” Grosso told DAZN Italia.

“We emerge defeated, but it is part of the growth process, we will recharge our batteries and learn from this.

“We’re very pleased with how the season has gone so far, but obviously not pleased with this evening’s performance. Juve deserve credit for taking control, as in these games you need to raise your level and hope the opponents are not at 100 per cent.”

SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio scores an own goal, for Juventus’ first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Sassuolo are still fairly comfortable in mid-table, but are now without a home victory in over a month, which is starting to become a problem.

They also managed only three draws from their last five Serie A games.

“We’ve got to learn from difficulties and know how to stay in the match, even when it is not going our way, because an incident can change everything,” added Grosso.

The next match is on Saturday evening with a trip to Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, so another opponent battling for the Champions League places.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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