Kone eager to ‘celebrate’ Canada derby with David: ‘We’re living our dream’

Sassuolo midfielder Ismael Kone thinks Jonathan David is ‘aware of the mistake he made’ for Juventus, but feels tonight’s Canadian derby is ‘a moment to celebrate, we’re living our dream.’

It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game 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 between AC Milan and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This is an unusual moment, as there are two Canada internationals facing off in a form of derby, so the temperature in Reggio Emilia this evening is particularly suited to these players.

David is struggling in Serie A this season, having missed a weak failed Panenka penalty in the 1-1 draw with Lecce, but he starts again for Juventus tonight anyway.

Kone hopes Canada teammate David doesn’t score tonight

SASSUOLO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Ismael Kone of Sassuolo scores his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on September 28, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“When you are a striker like him, you always want to score goals every game. I think he’s aware of the mistake he made, so he will play with anger and wanting to score. I don’t think it’s going to happen today, hopefully for us,” Kone told DAZN Italia.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Jonathan David of Juventus during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The Canadian teammates are facing off for the first time as opponents at club level, and Kone confirms this is a brand new experience.

“We’ve played with each other, but we never got a chance to play against each other, so it’s a good chance for us, a moment to celebrate. We are two kids living our dream, coming from a small part of Canada, so we’re just happy and hopefully can bring the best out of us.”

Both players came to Serie A this summer, as Kone arrived on loan from Olympique Marseille at a cost of €2.5m plus obligation to buy for €10m if Sassuolo avoid relegation.

David was a free agent when signing for Juventus.