Alberto Aquilani called it an honour to be able to coach former Sassuolo team-mate Domenico Berardi after being named head coach at the club.

The 41-year-old was announced as Sassuolo head coach on Friday, taking on his first Serie A role after coaching Pisa and Catanzaro in the Italian second division.

Aquilani lined up alongside Berardi when the midfielder played for Sassuolo in 2016-17, with the latter still a key player for the club.

Berardi has played 424 games for Sassuolo across all competitions, scoring 156 goals and providing 103 assists.

Since making his Serie A debut in 2013-14, Berardi has directly contributed to the sixth-most goals across all competitions among top-flight players (139).

Aquilani is now set to coach Berardi, and the former Liverpool midfielder is relishing the chance to manage in Serie A.

"Meeting him again in this role feels a little strange, because I had the chance to play with him and appreciate his incredible qualities," said Aquilani.

"He has been here for many years and has always driven this team towards important targets. For me, it will be an honour to coach him.

"I know it is a difficult league, but I feel ready to face it with this team and this club.

"To the fans, it is a pleasure to see them again. I wish them all the best, and I assure them that from me and my staff, we will give everything within our power so that Sassuolo can have the satisfactions they deserve."