Domenico Berardi has for the past two summer transfer windows been heavily linked with a potential move to Juve. Sassuolo rejected an offer ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and nothing materialised last year.
Berardi, who was victorious with Italy at the Euro 2020 tournament, helped Sassuolo win Serie B last term to return to the Italian top tier.
Achilles tendon surgery was an early season setback, with his campaign kicking off in October. Berardi scored six times and provided 14 goal assists in his 29 league appearances.
If Juve come calling for the left-footed right winger, who can also be utilised as a second striker, he may fancy a shot at competing in the Champions League. Europe’s leading club competition has so far eluded the 30-year-old.
Loyal to Sassuolo
Berardi, who has only played for one Italian club throughout his senior career, has been long admired by Juventus who once co-owned him.
He came through the youth academy at both Cosenza and Sassuolo. Berardi’s debut season was rewarded by scooping the 2012/13 Best Player of Serie B award, after bagging 11 goals and helping Sassuolo clinch promotion to the top-flight.
Although he joined Juventus in September 2013, on a co-ownership basis, he spent two season-long loans at Sassuolo. Berardi banged in 16 goals during their 2013/14 relegation battle and found the back of the net 15 times the following season.
He has remained at Sassuolo ever since, to become a club icon as their all-time top scorer with over 100 goals.
Juventus decided not to trigger their option to bring Berardi back to Turin for the 2016/17 campaign, and came to regret their decision when Sassuolo refused their bid in 2023.
Attacking alterations
The Bianconeri’s frontline is expected to be given a shake-up this summer, with loanee Kolo Muani returning to PSG, plus Samuel Mbangula and Dusan Vlahovic likely to leave.
The changes of personnel, and maybe even head coach, at Juventus will occur after the club have tackled the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
It would not be a surprise if perennial target Berardi is Juve’s shopping list. He played a pivotal role under Roberto Mancini at Euro 2020, with the former Italy head coach among the candidates to be appointed the next permanent Juve manager.
If he wants a shot at the Champions League next term, then the Bianconeri appear to be a better option than Atalanta, Inter Milan and Napoli.