There are several reports that Sassuolo are ready to fire Alberto Aquilani after five consecutive defeats. ‘I have to be judged on results and I have to question myself,’ said the coach.

Aquilani was appointed over the summer to replace Fabio Grosso and had also been in negotiations with Torino before agreeing terms with the Neroverdi.

There were some positive results, most notably the 3-2 victory over Juventus, but his overall score this season is of four wins, two draws and seven losses between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

The 3-0 defeat to Roma was the fifth loss on the bounce, scraping one point from the last seven rounds, and that was a 1-1 against Milan.

Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia both report this evening that Sassuolo are giving serious consideration to a change of management during the break for international duty, with Roberto D’Aversa the favourite to take over.

Aquilani admits Sassuolo are struggling

“It was as if a light went off,” Aquilani told Sky Sport Italia about tonight’s performance against Roma.

“I didn’t expect to see so little from my team. We have no courage on the ball, it becomes impossible this way. After we went 1-0 down, the game just stopped. I expect more in so many ways, but I cannot hide, I am the one responsible.”

This is only Aquilani’s first season in Serie A as a coach after impressing in Serie B with Pisa and Catanzaro.

“We talk about mental fragility, but it’s hard to lift the players after five defeats in a row. This is football, we need to face reality.”

Aquilani was asked if he still feels that the Sassuolo directors have full faith in him.

“I haven’t spoken to them yet. I always felt their faith, but obviously I have to be judged on results, and I have to question myself. Many things have to change.”