Berardi: ‘After dark moments, hope to get back into Italy jersey’ | OneFootball

Domenico Berardi admits he went through ‘some dark times lately,’ but is back in Serie A with Sassuolo and aiming for an Italy recall under Gennaro Gattuso.

The forward only turned 31 last month, so feels he still has a lot to give on the return of his team to the top flight after a year in Serie B.

It remains the only club he ever played for, as while there was a co-ownership deal with Juventus, he turned down the chance to join the Old Lady outright.

“My story with Sassuolo starts a long way back, and it’s an honour for me to represent this great club and family,” Berardi told Sky Sport Italia.

Berardi lifetime commitment to Sassuolo

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – APRIL 21: Inter linked Domenico Berardi of US Sassuolo during the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and US Lecce at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on April 21, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy.(Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

It wasn’t just Juventus who almost tempted him away, as he was also linked with moves to Inter, Napoli and more.

“I had offers over the years from big clubs, but at the age of 20, I was not mature enough to take that step. I have no regrets, I’m happy to have continued with this team. What I love the most about this place is the calm and quiet strength that the club shows.”

While Berardi had felt ready to perhaps move elsewhere with Sassuolo’s relegation to Serie B, a serious injury scuppered that idea in January 2024.

“I had a few injuries, the worst was without doubt also the most recent, the Achilles tendon tear. It was the darkest moment for me, especially as it culminated with our relegation.”

VERONA, ITALY – MARCH 03: Domenico Berardi of US Sassuolo gestures on the pitch due to an injury during the Serie A TIM match between Hellas Verona FC and US Sassuolo – Serie A TIM at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 03, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Now both he and the club are back in Serie A, hoping to add to his 123 goals and 83 assists in 316 top flight appearances.

“I am pleased to be second only to Ciro Immobile as active players with goals scored in Serie A. I started with a penalty against Parma in the season we secured safety, and hopefully we can repeat that,” added Berardi.

“I have become more experienced and matured over the years, trying to give advice to the younger players, so they don’t repeat the same mistakes I made.”

With Italy adopting a trident attack under new coach Gattuso, is it possible Berardi could break back into the side?

“I watched the games, I am sure with Gattuso we can get results, even if it won’t be easy. I am working here at Sassuolo and trying to do well so that I can get back into the Azzurri jersey.

“I am trying to enjoy this season, as I had really difficult moments, but the Berardi of the past is returning.”