Sassuolo captain Domenico Berardi has asked for forgiveness from the Italy fans after the World Cup flop. ‘Whether you want to believe it or not, we really did so much.’
The Azzurri were beaten 1-0 in Palermo by North Macedonia, with Aleksandar Trajkovski scoring a 92nd-minute goal.
That saw them not even qualify for the World Cup play-offs final, let alone the tournament itself, missing out for the second edition in a row.
It came just eight months after winning UEFA EURO 2020 at Wembley and setting a new unbeaten world record of 37 games.
“Looking back with a cool head, it hurts even more,” wrote Berardi on Instagram.
“The dream of all us Italians was interrupted in the worst way. Whether you want to believe it or not, we really did so much. We tried in every possible way, but it wasn’t enough.
“It was the objective of us all to go to the World Cup. For many of us, it was the first time we could compete in the most wonderful tournament for our country.
“It was our responsibility to take you to the World Cup and experience a splendid adventure together, the way we did last summer.
“We should and could have done more, because what angers us the most is this isn’t who we are. There isn’t much more I can add, other than, forgive us for this disenchantment. We will work to get your dreaming again. Together. United.”
Berardi was among those criticised the most after the defeat to North Macedonia, as he missed several big chances, including the most important when scuffing his finish towards an empty net, allowing the goalkeeper to get back into position.
Italy will now face Turkey for a friendly, but Berardi will not be making the trip, as he was released early along with Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne, Jorginho, Ciro Immobile and Gianluca Mancini.
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He was the only one actually doing something – yes the miss was bad – but he was arguably the best player on the pitch along with Verratti
No need to apologize.
19 blocked shots & another unfortunate miss. North Macedonia lucked out.
Immobile should be the one apologizing, he vanished the entire game,I name Mancini for sticking with immobile
The two Neapolitans need to apologize… Three if you include the keeper….
italy needs to get bigger.. look at that pic… they look like midgets except for Donna, and the tow CB
Dan 100% agree with you
Spot on Dan!
Berardi was always looking to make something happen, and if anything was trying too hard and lost his composure. Whereas Insigne and Immobile looked like they were playing in a friendly. They seriously lacked attacking aggression.
The blame should be strictly attributed to Mancini. He stood by Immobile and Insigne when they have been ineffective for some time now, and so wasteful. Watching them fail time and again and not seeking a solution. It sends a terrible message to the players who are more deserving of selection.
You have to lay the blame somewhere and it starts at the top with Mancini so much young talent and he went with the old tired guard who prove they couldn’t score any goals over the last eight months why why Mancini after such a great we’re on in the euros. And Berardi yes you blew it let’s just say it the way it is you had a wide-open net and you scuffed it. Should’ve taken Balotelli as well I don’t care what anybody says he was a big target strong probably would’ve made a difference I hope you’re reading this Mancini go with the young strikers for GOD sakes !!! this really SUCKS AGAIN !!!
Left footer too.
Almost as if he was shocked at what was in front of him.
Element of bad luck, yes, but our clubs have killed our beloved Azzurri.