Vasilije Adzic’s early season at Sassuolo is becoming one of the more intriguing subplots in Serie A, with Juventus watching a player they sent away gather momentum under Alberto Aquilani. The Montenegro international scored again against Monza, curling a late free-kick into the net even though it did not alter the final result.
It was his third successive standout strike. Adzic had previously found the net against Bologna, then hit a last-minute curling effort that condemned his parent club Juventus to defeat. His decisive contribution against the Bianconeri has inevitably sharpened the sense of regret among supporters in Turin following his summer departure.
A productive loan spell in Emilia
The agreement was designed to give Adzic regular football, and the opening weeks suggest it is serving that purpose. He has four goals across all competitions, including one on his Coppa Italia debut against Cesena, and also supplied a back-heel assist for Volpato against Torino.
Aquilani has given the 19-year-old a defined but flexible role. Adzic begins as a central midfielder, while being encouraged to move into attacking areas behind the forwards. The Sassuolo coach has also managed his minutes carefully during a spell in which attention around the player has grown: Adzic has twice entered from the bench in recent matches and made a telling impact on each occasion.
“Perhaps I could have played a little more at Juventus, or at least I hoped I would,” Adzic said this week. “Maybe I deserved it too, but those are not decisions for me, so it is fine this way.”
For now, the calmer surroundings at Sassuolo and the prospect of consistent involvement appear to offer the right setting for his development. He has the chance to add dimensions to his game while enjoying responsibility in a side prepared to trust him.
Juventus retain control of Adzic’s future
Juventus have not relinquished their ability to bring the midfielder back. Sassuolo paid €500,000 for the loan and hold an option to buy Adzic permanently for €12 million.
However, Juventus inserted a counter-option into the deal. Should Sassuolo activate their purchase clause, the Turin club can reclaim the player by paying a further €1.7 million.
If Adzic’s progress continues, the arrangement could suit both clubs. Sassuolo would receive a €1.2 million development gain after accounting for the loan fee, while Juventus would recover a more experienced and more complete talent, potentially ready for a fuller role in their own season.
