Sassuolo star Domenico Berardi insists he will leave his club in January if he is fully fit and admits he wants to join a Champions League club: ‘It’s an ambition I want to fulfil.’
Berardi recently returned to action for Sassuolo in Serie B after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury he had suffered in the previous campaign.
The Italy international was linked with several top clubs in the past but never left Sassuolo for multiple reasons.
“This is my second family, and it’s not a clichée,” the 30-year-old told Gazzetta.
“I will never forget the relationship with Mr. Squinzi and his wife, who treated me like a son. It was mutual love. There is a similar rapport with [Sassuolo director] Giovanni Carnevali.”
Berardi went on to reveal his idols as a kid.
“Robben. I had his poster in my room and obviously, the other idol was Leo Messi.”
Berardi was forced to the sidelines for seven months, missing the final part of the 2023-24 season and the Euros with Italy’s national team.
“My world fell apart. I suffered for not helping Sassuolo, and I wanted to play at the Euros so much,” he said.
“When you can’t play for a long time, you can only think, so I tried to focus on pleasant memories. My wife Francesca and our children helped me so much. The first two months were so difficult. I lived on the couch.”
Berardi is among the top five Serie A scorers since 2013, his first season in Serie A. He has currently scored one more goal than Paulo Dybala (121 to 122) and is only behind Duvan Zapata (124), Gonzalo Higuain (125) and Ciro Immobile (196). Does he feel underestimated?
Berardi ‘will leave’ Sassuolo in January on one condition as he reveals ‘ambition’ he wants to fulfil
“Yes, a little bit, if I look at the numbers,” he admitted.
“I’ve always scored for a team that was not playing for the title or the Champions League, which means we usually met stronger clubs. That list says that I’m part of a group of great players, and I am a winger, not even a striker.”
Berardi had many chances to leave the club in the past, but why did he decide to stay?
“I didn’t feel mature enough until 26-27. I always wanted to play, and I didn’t like rotations,” he revealed.
“Perhaps I didn’t entirely believe in myself. I always wanted to be a starter, but it’s not possible at a top club. I have regrets, but I’ve understood and I’ve been ready for a new adventure for two or three years.
“When I play at San Siro, for example, I live my childhood dream, and I give my best to prove I can always stay in a place like this.
“Atalanta wanted me three years ago, but I said no because I thought I was not suited to their playing style, especially physically,” he continued.
“Last year, I wanted to join Juventus, but the club’s didn’t reach an agreement and I was upset. I argued with the club because it was the right moment. However, I turned the page and resumed training with Sassuolo.”
Despite that, Berardi insisted that he had no regrets.
“With the mindset of a 30-year-old person, I can say that I could have believed in myself more and try [to leave] when I was 20-21, but decisions are made at determined moments.”
Was his decision more difficult than that of other Italian legends, such as Paolo Maldini, Francesco Totti, or Alessandro Del Piero, who spent their entire careers at one club?
“I think so. I am not saying it was easy for these champions because I can only imagine the level of pressure they endured,” Berardi replied.
“Maybe my decision was less simple. I had a different career, and I have no regrets.”
What’s his ambition now?
“It’s been the same for the last three years. Hear the Champions League music from the pitch. It’s a deep ambition that I want to fulfil.
“If I get back to my best shape with Sassuolo and an appropriate offer arrives in January, I’ll leave,” he concluded.
“Otherwise, I’ll be the best version of Berardi and I’ll work to get in shape and stay at the club until June. As usual, we’ll see and assess everything with the club.”