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Berardi was one of six players to withdrawn from the Italy training camp in Coverciano recently, not taking part in the upcoming friendly against Turkey.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.