Berardi: ‘So much fun’ under De Zerbi, I want to ‘play for Italy again’ | OneFootball

Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi says he wants to play for the national team again and is still willing to join a club in the Champions League, but admits: ‘Serie A is too tactical, we had so much fun under Roberto De Zerbi, now I see a lot of soldiers.’

Sassuolo star Berardi, 31, has completed another Serie A campaign with the Neroverdi, contributing to a comfortable survival with eight goals and five assists in 26 matches.

Berardi interview on Italy, Sassuolo and De Zerbi

Sassuolo had gained promotion from Serie B in 2024-25, returning to Serie A after just one season in the second division.

The other two newly-promoted sides, Pisa and Cremonese, were relegated.

“Serie A is always a difficult league, but too tactical,” Berardi told Gazzetta.

“You try to make a good impression with the result rather than the playing style. Under De Zerbi, it felt like we were being controlled with a joystick, but we had so much fun. Now, on the pitch, I see a lot of soldiers.”

Berardi has spent his entire career at Sassuolo, where he remains under contract until June 2029.

Of all the players he’s played with at the Mapei Stadium, who was his best teammate?

“The best one is still here, [Nemanja] Matic,” Berardi replied.

“An exceptional footballer and a man with great values. He has given us a big help with his experience.”

Berardi suffered an Achilles tendon injury in 2024, which forced him to the sidelines for six months.

“I enjoy things even more now. I’m more mature, and I’ve left the dark thoughts behind me,” he said.

“After the injury in 2024, I went through difficult moments. Mentally, I wanted to quit. But my heart and body didn’t. Fortunately, they won.”

A Euro 2020 winner with the Italy national team, Berardi was often linked with some of Italy’s top clubs in the past, but a move never materialised.

“I love playing, and I love Sassuolo. I’ve given a lot to this club, and it has given me a lot in return,” he said.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 03: Domenico Berardi of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Genoa CFC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on November 03, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“So, leaving was never really an issue. I said in the past that I’d like to play in the Champions League, and I still feel that way. But to make things happen, all three parties have to agree. And when it seemed there was a chance to move, only two sides were on board.”

Berardi remains available for a summer move, but has a condition.

“The doors are always open. In life, nothing is impossible. So I would listen [to offers],” he said.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 20: Domenico Berardi of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Hellas Verona FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 20, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“The idea is always the same: I would only consider a move if I could enjoy myself and be part of a project where I wouldn’t be seen as a passenger. I’d want 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 way and play for Italy again. I hope to play for four or five more years at a top level, and then we’ll see,” he concluded.

“One thing is certain. I don’t want to drift along or gradually fade away. When the time comes, I want to go out as a protagonist.”