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.