Sassuolo Matchday Guide: The Neroverdi, a Borrowed Home and a Talent Factory

A modern, comfortable, low-key day out. The Mapei Stadium is one of Italy’s more up-to-date grounds — English-style, with stands close to the pitch and clean sightlines throughout — and while Sassuolo don’t carry the deep, fervent support of the old clubs, the atmosphere is pleasant and family-friendly. The football tends to be bright and youthful, a reflection of the club’s academy-first identity that has produced the likes of Berardi, Locatelli and Raspadori. One quirk to look for: a water-filled moat separates the stands from the pitch, fed by a local river — fans have genuinely been seen fishing in it during matches. Expect a smart, relaxed matchday with a fascinating backstory.

The ground sits on the north-eastern edge of Reggio Emilia, and getting there is easy. Best of all, it has its own train station — Reggio Emilia Stadio — directly across from the ground, served by regional trains from Reggio Emilia’s main station. Bus 05 also runs from the centre (about 30 minutes), and it’s roughly a 40-minute walk from the old town. By car, the A1 motorway passes right by (exit Reggio Emilia, then follow the football signs), with plenty of parking. The city is also near the striking Mediopadana high-speed rail station, making it very accessible from across Italy. Our getting around Reggio Emilia guide has the train and bus details.

Since the ground is out on the edge of town, the pre-match belongs in Reggio Emilia’s centre. This is an underrated Emilian city with a good food-and-drink scene — try craft-beer spots like the Bottiglieria San Giovanni or Le Mille e Una Birra around the historic centre before heading out to the stadium. Being in Emilia, the local food is superb, so eat well: this is the land of Parmigiano, Lambrusco and hearty regional cooking. It’s a relaxed, civilised build-up. Our Reggio Emilia sports bars guide points you to the best spots in the centre.

Payment is card-friendly, and kiosks serve the usual fare and beer. Opened in 1995 as Italy’s first club-owned stadium, the Mapei is comfortable and modern, recently upgraded with new floodlights and a new pitch, with the moat and river-fed water its most talked-about feature. A word on the local politics: the ground was built and owned by Reggiana, the city’s original club, before Mapei bought it — so Reggiana fans still resent the “Mapei” name, and unusually both clubs’ ultras use the same Curva Sud on their respective matchdays. Away fans go in the Curva Nord; the Tribuna Ovest holds the premium seats. For atmosphere, aim for the Curva Sud end.

Good news for visitors: Sassuolo almost never sell out, so tickets are easy to get through the official club website, with a box office at the ground too. The visits of the biggest clubs draw the largest crowds. As across Italy, tickets are nominative and photo ID matching the name is checked at the gate, so use official channels and bring matching identification. Note that when Reggiana are the home team the ticketing runs through their own channels — make sure you’re buying for the right club’s fixture. Our Sassuolo tickets guide walks through the official sale.

The train from the stadium’s own station whisks you straight back into Reggio Emilia, where the evening belongs. The city is a pleasant, underrated Emilian centre — it’s where the Italian tricolour flag was born in 1797, hence the stadium’s “Città del Tricolore” name — with good restaurants, the Basilica della Ghiara and handsome piazzas. Its central location makes it easy to pair with Parma or Modena on a football-and-food trip through Emilia. If you’re staying over, a base in the historic centre keeps you close to the best of it; our Reggio Emilia hotels guide covers the options.

Take the train to Reggio Emilia Stadio — the ground has its own station, right across the road.

Eat and drink in the centre — the options by the ground are limited, so enjoy Reggio Emilia first.

Look for the moat — the river-fed water between stands and pitch is Italian football’s quirkiest feature.

Buy easily — Sassuolo rarely sell out, so tickets are readily available through official channels.

Bring matching ID — tickets are nominative and checked at the gate.

Pair it with Parma or Modena — the Emilia food triangle makes a superb football-and-food weekend.

Facts verified July 2026. Capacities and ticketing can change between seasons — confirm the latest details on the official US Sassuolo website before you travel.