Vasilije Adzic reveals Manuel Locatelli and Tarik Muharemovic contributed to his summer move from Juventus to Sassuolo and what Luciano Spalletti did before their meeting at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday: 'The gesture pleased me immensely.'
The Montenegrin startlet has already scored three goals and provided one assist in five appearances across all competitions.
He scored his most recent goal on Sunday, allowing Sassuolo to beat his parent club Juventus 3-2 with a dramatic late winner.
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Vasilije Adzic of US Sassuolo celebrates winning the match against Juventus with his teammates Jay Idzes and Nemanja Matic during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Citta' del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The 20-year-old admitted he had been dreaming of scoring against the Old Lady.
"It was constantly on my mind; I thought about it every day. I couldn't wait to play it and prove my qualities against one of the biggest clubs," he told Gazzetta.
September 13 is a special date for Adzic because, on this date in 2005, he scored a late Juventus winner against Inter.
"When I saw it was the 13th, I thought it was an incredible coincidence," he said.
"I felt something was in the air. The idea of scoring was going round in my head. Yes, I was thinking about it, almost feeling it coming.
"I've watched the goal countless times, and I barely slept that night. Generally, you don't sleep much after an evening match. This time, add in the adrenaline, the emotion, the intense feelings: it was almost a sleepless night."
Did he receive many messages after his goal?
"So many. The messages from my family, who always come first, stay with me. But I also received a huge number of compliments from my teammates and from the many friends I still have at Juve," he said.
Did he have a chance to meet Spalletti before or after the game?
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Luciano Spalletti Head Coach of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Citta' del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
"We crossed paths before the match," Adzic said.
"After greeting Aquilani , he came looking for me on the bench. I went over to him, and he complimented me on how I'd started the season. The gesture pleased me immensely, and I'm grateful."
Adzic is on loan at Sassuolo from Juve. The Neroverdi can make his move permanent for €12m, and Juventus can re-buy him for a further €1.7m.
"I've found the right situation [at Sassuolo], which makes me very happy," Adzic said.
"I feel everyone's trust, and we'll see what happens in the future. I give my all every day. Maybe I could have played a bit more at Juve, or at least I hoped so. Maybe I even deserved it, but those aren't decisions for me to make, so it's fine as it is.
"I played several good matches at Juventus. The path I'm on, the decision to come to Sassuolo for more playing time and to prove my worth, was the most sensible choice. Now I intend to give everything for this club.
"They already wanted me in January. Then they followed up in the summer too. One detail made all the difference: Director Palmieri came to Turin to speak with me and set up a video call with coach Aquilani, who clearly explained his project and the role I would have," Adzic added.
"At that point, the choice was easy. I must say, Palmieri's gesture impressed me; not everyone would do that."
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 06: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus is challenged by Luka Modric of Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Some of his ex-teammates also helped him decide.
'Yes. Locatelli, who played at Sassuolo, spoke very highly of the club and the environment, saying it was ideal for development. And then Muharemovic. When I arrived at Juve, we did pre-season training together with the first team; we were roommates for a month. He's a great friend of mine, and about Sassuolo, he told me: 'Go, you won't regret it.'"
Sassuolo have grabbed seven points in four Serie A games so far. They are coached by Alberto Aquilani, in his Serie A debut season.
Adzic explained why he's been impressed by the former midfielder.
"His mentality and the fact that he always wants to play football. He showed me trust in training from the very first moment. I like him because he works a lot with young players; his coaching career shows he knows how to develop them.
Tarik Muharemovic joins Leeds United from Sassuolo (leedsunited.com)
"I'm a No. 8 or a No. 10," Adzic added.
"Primarily an attacking midfielder; I feel most comfortable there, but as Aquilani says, it's courage that defines the role."
Many of his teammates have also helped him settle in at the Mapei.
" Muric and Matic, also because we speak the same language," Adzic said.
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Alberto Aquilani Head Coach of US Sassuolo looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Juventus at Mapei Stadium – Citta' del Tricolore on September 13, 2026 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
"Nemanja is a reference point, a great man. He constantly gives me advice, both on and off the pitch. Even small details that enrich me. He's an example, an older brother, and an extraordinary player. He's won three Premier League titles and played at the highest levels.
"I feel admiration and respect for 'Dome' [ Berardi ]. He's scored over 130 goals in Serie A, won a European Championship, and has played only for this club. Everyone wanted him, but he stayed here. You can only learn from somebody like him."
