It was a summer to remember for Italians all over the world, but especially the select few who support Serie A side Sassuolo.
Neroverdi has grown to become a permanent match in the Italian top flight, and the stars they have nurtured and developed in recent seasons have finally earned the credit they deserve on the international stage.
Ready for a big move / GES-Sportfoto / Getty Images
Manuel Locatelli and Domenico Berardi were important figures on Italy’s winning side in Euro 2020 and they demonstrated to the world all the fine work that former Roberto De Zerbi did with them during their three years as manager.
But that glory has come at a bittersweet price. The world’s watching eye has cost them the chance to see Locatelli play in the green and black stripes again, after he finally made a move of 35 million euros to Juventus on Wednesday.
As if that were not enough, Tuttomercatoweb now reports that Berardi also wants out. It never rains but it pours, huh?
Maybe he sees no future in the club without De Zerbi and now Locatelli, and this summer the Italian international sees his best chance to get a dream move that his talent more than deserves.
He is available for less than 30 million euros, but where can he end up? These are Berardi’s likely destinations – ranked.
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– JuventusFC (@juventusfc) August 18, 2021
Berardi has previously been linked with a move to Juventus, but he declined these offers and remained loyal to Sassuolo. Unfortunately, the crack never reappeared.
Could this be the year when the 27-year-old gets his break and follows Locatelli to Juventus? Probably not, in truth. Federico Chiesa finally took over Berardi on the Italian side this summer, and he would stand in front of him in black and white as well.
On the other flank is Dejan Kulusevski, and then there is a guy named Cristiano Ronaldo who can do a job on the left. And then there’s Paulo Dybala.
Good fit rating: 3/10
A move to the Premier League could be on the cards / Ian MacNicol / Getty Images
The Premier League would be a good fit for the hard-working, robust winger. Everton love a wide man, and although they have signed Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend, Berardi would give sex appeal to get fans out of their seats.
The Toffees have been known to hoard wingers in the past, and this could be the beginning of another wonderful collection. Once again, Rafa Benitez can vote against it.
Just to clarify, Berardi is at least 17 times better than Townsend and Gray combined.
Good fit rating: 5/10
Tough competition / Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
Across the park on Merseyside, Liverpool also hope to be able to do business before the transfer window metaphorically closes.
The top three are well documented as brilliant, but their backups are also known to be below par. Klopp loves flexible forwards, and Berardi can certainly provide protection in all three attacking positions.
Would the Italian like to play a small role during the peak years of his career? It remains to be seen.
Good fit rating: 6/10
It did not work for the former Serie A star / Michael Regan / Getty Images
Leicester City tried to replenish their attacking options with AS Roma star Cengiz during the last term, but the foxes decided not to make his contract permanent after an overwhelming loan period.
Brendan Rodgers is looking for the missing piece to the attacking puzzle, and he can dive back into Serie A to find it.
Berardi would definitely do much better than Under as well.
Good fit rating: 7/10
Big shoes to fill / INA FASSBENDER / Getty Images
There is a Jadon Sancho-shaped hole in the Borussia Dortmund attack, and it is one that needs to be filled. Der BVB signed Donyell Malen from PSV Eindhoven this summer, but a little more experience would not go wrong.
Berardi lives to serve his comrades forward, and his careful delivery and selfless nature would come as music to a certain Erling Haaland’s ears.
It’s not the glamorous, glittering signing Dortmund fans might want, but he would definitely do business in Germany. Partner him and Haaland in attack and a connection can flourish.
Good fit class: 7.5 / 10
Tough competition out / Visionhaus / Getty Images
Now we can see this happen. West Ham United’s owners are under pressure to make some signings this summer, and it is clear that they need an extra or two in the attack.
Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen are a fantastic team at the top, but even if one of them succumbs to injury, they have problems. Berardi can offer the necessary cover – and then some.
West Ham are still in the market to replace Jesse Lingard, whose loan signing feels like a distant memory. Berardi can play behind the forward if needed and provide that connection between the midfield and the attack.
Good fit rating: 8/10
Berardi’s potential future coach / Nicolò Campo / Getty Images
This is as good as it gets, we think. Stefano Piolis Milan is in a perfect position to enter the transfer market and pick up Berardi, who would immediately improve his team and provide the perfect platform for the winger.
The fans are tired of seeing Samu Castillejo run down the dead ends and break the defender’s shins with bad crosses, and an extra spark of quality outside is just what they need.
Berardi can also fill the void left by Hakan Calhanoglu and offer versatility across the front line. Dig deep into your pockets, Milan, and find the money to sign this Euro 2020 winner.
Good fit rating: 9/10
