Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi has voiced his aspiration to represent the Italian national team once more and remains open to joining a Champions League club. However, he also commented on the tactical nature of Serie A, reminiscing about the enjoyable experience under Roberto De Zerbi, where he felt the team played with a sense of freedom, unlike the current situation which he describes as seeing “a lot of soldiers.”
Berardi, a prominent player for Sassuolo, recently concluded another Serie A season with the Neroverdi, contributing significantly to their successful bid for survival with a tally of eight goals and five assists in 26 appearances.
Berardi’s Insights on Italy, Sassuolo, and De Zerbi’s Influence
Sassuolo secured promotion back to Serie A in the 2024-25 season, marking their return after only one year in the second division. This achievement stands in contrast to the other promoted teams, Pisa and Cremonese, who were relegated.
“Serie A is consistently a challenging league, but it’s overly tactical,” Berardi shared with Gazzetta. “The focus is often on achieving a good result rather than prioritizing the style of play. Under De Zerbi, it felt as though we were being controlled by a joystick, and we had an incredible amount of fun. Now, on the field, I observe a lot of players acting like soldiers.”
Berardi has dedicated his entire professional career to Sassuolo, with his current contract extending until June 2029.
When asked about his best teammate at the Mapei Stadium, Berardi responded, “The best one is still here, [Nemanja] Matic. He is an exceptional footballer and a man of great values. His experience has been of immense help to us.”
Berardi’s career was impacted by an Achilles tendon injury in 2024, which sidelined him for six months.
“I appreciate things even more now. I’ve become more mature, and I’ve left behind the negative thoughts,” he stated. “After the injury in 2024, I went through incredibly difficult times. Mentally, I considered quitting. But my heart and my body urged me on. Fortunately, they prevailed.”
A victorious member of the Italy squad at Euro 2020, Berardi has been frequently linked with top Italian clubs in the past, though a transfer never materialized.
“I love playing, and I love Sassuolo. I’ve given a great deal to this club, and it has reciprocated by giving me a lot in return,” he commented. “Therefore, leaving was never a primary concern. I’ve previously expressed my desire to play in the Champions League, and that sentiment remains. However, for such a move to happen, all three parties must be in agreement. And when opportunities arose, only two sides were aligned.”
Berardi remains open to a summer transfer, provided certain conditions are met.
“The doors are always open. In life, nothing is impossible. So, I would certainly listen [to offers],” he said.
“My aspiration remains consistent: I would only consider a move if I could genuinely enjoy myself and be an integral part of a project where I wouldn’t be seen as a mere participant. I wish to play in the Champions League as a key figure, not in a supporting role.
“I hope my body can hold up in the best possible way and that I can play for Italy again. I aim to play at a top level for another four or five years, and then we’ll see,” he concluded.
“One thing is certain. I do not want to gradually fade away. When the time comes, I want to exit the stage as a protagonist.”