Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone expressed that Jonathan David is “aware of the mistake he made” during the match against Juventus, but emphasized that tonight’s Canadian derby is “a moment to celebrate. We’re living our dream.”
The match kicks off at Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET).
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Stay updated with all the build-up and action from this match and Lecce vs. Roma on the Liveblog.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Ismael Kone of US Sassuolo Calcio celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match against AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 14, 2025. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This match is unique, as two Canadian internationals are competing in what can be described as a derby, making the atmosphere in Reggio Emilia particularly charged for these players.
David has faced challenges this season in Serie A, having missed a poorly executed Panenka penalty in the 1-1 draw against Lecce. Nonetheless, he will be starting for Juventus tonight.
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Kone wishes fellow Canadian David doesn’t score tonight
SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Ismael Kone of Sassuolo scores his team’s second goal during the Serie A match against Udinese at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on September 28, 2025. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“As a striker, he always aims to score in every match. He is likely regretting his previous mistake, so I expect he’ll play with a sense of anger and determination to find the net. Hopefully, that won’t happen today,” Kone told DAZN Italia.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Jonathan David of Juventus during a Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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This matchup marks the first instance where the two Canadian teammates are competing against each other at the club level, which Kone described as a new and exciting experience.
“We’ve played together before, but this is our first chance to face off. It’s a special moment for us as we celebrate our journey. As two kids from a small part of Canada, we are just thrilled and hope to showcase our best performances,” Kone shared.
Both players joined Serie A this summer; Kone arrived on loan from Olympique Marseille for €2.5 million, with an obligation to buy for €10 million if Sassuolo avoids relegation, while David joined Juventus as a free agent.