The former television journalist replaces his outgoing countryman Antonio Tajani in the Parliament’s hot seat. Mr Sassoli managed to secure a clear majority in the second round of voting in Strasbourg this morning. He secured a comfortable majority of 23 allowing to takeover the role for the next five years, but can expect a challenge to his authority after two and a half.
The 63-year-old Italian represents the Democratic Party, and has sat in the Parliament since as an MEP for Central Italy since 2009.
In his first speech, Mr Sassoli said: “We are the children and grandchildren of those who managed to find the antidote to the nationalism that poisoned our history.
“Nothing is possible without men, but nothing is lasting without institutions.”
He added: “Europe still has a lot to say if we speak up together.”
His main role will to be to uphold the rules of the Parliament and chair debates in its Hemicycle chambers in Strasbourg and Brussels.
The European Parliament’s presidency is often seen as the least significant job within the bloc’s most senior roles.
But he will oversee MEPs voting on the next European Commission president, who looks set to become German defence minister Ursula von der Leyen.
EU leaders yesterday ended a month-long deadlock deciding on which candidates should be drafted in as the bloc’s top officials.
Mr Sassoli’s accession to Parliament president has seemingly ensured that Ms von der Leyen will be given the nod of approval by MEPs.
He secured the support of the European People’s Party, who did not field a candidate after being handed the Commission presidency.
The so-called “Grand Coalition” EPP and social democrats mean Ms von der Leyen will have to do little to secure a small number of votes from opposition parties.
The socialist and green groupings had been particularly upset at on her nomination.
“This backroom stitch-up after days of talks is grotesque, it satisfies no one but party power games,” said Greens leader Ska Keller.
The socialists’ leader in the assembly, Spain’s Iratxe Garcia, called the agreement “deeply disappointing”.