As told by La Repubblica, in Turin, the meeting between Juventus and Sassuolo takes place in an unusual health context, marked by a whooping cough epidemic within the Emilian club. This infectious disease, nicknamed “the hundred-day cough” due to its persistent symptoms, forced Sassuolo to adopt strict measures reminiscent of those during the Covid-19 period.
One player has been officially affected and isolated at home since Tuesday, while five others have compatible symptoms and have also been placed in isolation. Faced with the risk of contagion, the club immediately reacted by reactivating rigorous health protocols: distancing between players, limiting physical contact, eliminating gatherings and increased vigilance even in the family sphere. Even during the trip to Turin, made by train, interactions were reduced to the strict minimum.
These precautions will have a visible impact on the match: no greeting gestures such as handshakes or hugs will be permitted before or after the match. Sassuolo also informed Juventus and the League of the situation, while choosing not to request the postponement of the match, an option that is unlikely in any case according to the regulations.
Sportingly, the situation greatly complicates the task of coach Fabio Grosso. Between suspected cases of whooping cough and four players already injured, the team has up to ten absentees. To complete its group, the club had to call on several young people from the Primavera. Uncertainty remains high as new cases could still emerge.
On the other hand, Juventus approaches this match in a calm climate, with a squad that is generally in good health, apart from some doubts around Dusan Vlahovic.