Domenico Berardi has revealed that ‘it hurts even more’ following Italy’s disastrous World Cup play-off loss to North Macedonia.
The 27-year-old Sassuolo winger did not have a clinical evening on Thursday in Palermo, having a number of chances but failing to convert any of them. The most egregious of these was when he failed to put the ball in the back of the net after nicking possession from North Macedonia. This miss would come back to haunt the Euro 2020 winner.
Writing on his Instagram page today, Berardi commented on the defeat to North Macedonia and apologised for the result, which sees Italy miss out on their second consecutive World Cup.
“With a cold mind, it hurts even more.
“The dream of all of us Italians has come to an end in the worst possible way. Whether you want to believe it or not, we really did a lot. We tried in every way but it wasn’t enough.
“It was the goal of the whole group to go to the World Cup. For many of us it was the first time to play in the most beautiful cup for our country.
“It was our responsibility to take you to the World Cup and have a wonderful adventure all together like the one we had last summer.
“We had to and could have given more because what makes us most angry is that we are not like this.
“There are not many things to add. Except, we’re sorry for this disappointment. We will work to make you dream again. Together. United. Azzurri.”
Berardi was one of six players to withdrawn from the Italy training camp in Coverciano recently, not taking part in the upcoming friendly against Turkey. He has scored six goals in 24 caps for the Azzurri, providing two assists at Euro 2020.
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I’d have respected him if he said ‘for my part I missed an open goal and for that I apologize’
Not all that ‘we’ stuff
One instagramm message and everything is ok. Uniti Azzurri!!!!!
We just won the Euro’s….who cares. Let’s move on and rebuild.
Still one of the MOST successful nations in soccer. Be grateful.
He is overrated too much. He always tries to shoot no matter good or bad chance and he scores every 200 shoots.
@JP – exactly. Anyone would think Italy were serial chokers. Italy has played 4 finals in the past 20 years.
Italy played the 1970 WC final, then again in 1982, 94, 2006 plus Euro finals in 68, 2000, 2014, 2022. And then semi finals here, there and everywhere. Enjoy everyone – that’s a tremendous return. Imagine being a fan of, say, England – a final every half century or so.
It’s a terrible disaster the other night – but Portugal would have probably done Italy anyway. The errors were in the qualifiers.
Lots of crazy negative talk in Italy! Even blogs on this site saying who shouldn’t play for the Azzurri again! Let’s not forget the the amazing summer and how good they played! Let’s not forget they are the team with the biggest unbeaten run in history!!! People calling for Mancini to stand down after that??? What more do you want? Sure the World Cup should have been done but that’s fine lines! The new playoff system is always a risk! You were one pen away from going! Just a bit of bad form! Italy owe the fans the Finalissima trophy and I’m sure they will do it
Right, it’s not like it takes Italy 55 years to get to a final and then lose, even while playing on home soil most of the tournament…. Like some…..
Forza Azzurri! Missing out on the WC is a disappointment but we can wipe away the tears with the other 4 trophies.
Say it was England who had to play Portugal ,hypothetically I know but just saying that could go either way! Don’t get a third place match tho by the way 😂
Most countries would GLADLY accept the ‘failure of Italy’! There is no shame missing this revolting corrupt cup. They are better off.
It hurts not to be in the World Cup especially that only small details and bad luck blocked Italy’s qualification. I hope we will start a new successful journey again with or without Mancini. Forza Italia
The best advice is…
LET’S LISTEN TO BAGGIO AND CREATE AN ACADEMY TO ADDRESS THE POOR CLINCIAL FINISHES, THAT IS THE REAL ISSUE WITH ITALY!!!
Once we truly address the closes in front of the net we have it made. That’s the answer key. It’s not just Ciro with bad finishes, we have this ongoing issue and it is in part the training and in part luck. Address this issue and Italy will be just fine.