Sassuolo, Italy – February 20: Domenico Berardi of Sassuolo USA celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Sassuolo Calcio and Hellas Verona FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 20, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi has said he would like to play for the national team again and is open to a move to a Champions League club, but admitted: “Serie A is too tactical. I had a lot of fun under Roberto De Zerbi. I see a lot of soldiers now.”
Sassuolo star Berardi, 31, completed another Serie A season with the Neroverdi, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 26 games, helping them comfortably stay on.
Berardi interview about Italy, Sassuolo and De Zerbi
Sassuolo were promoted from Serie B in the 2024-25 season, returning to Serie A after just one season in the second division.
Two other newly promoted teams, Pisa and Cremonese, were relegated.
“Serie A is always a difficult league, but it’s too tactical,” Berardi told Gazzetta.
“You try to make a good impression with your results, not your style of play. Under De Zerbi I felt like I was being controlled with a joystick, but it was a lot of fun. I see a lot of soldiers on the pitch now.”
Berardi has spent his entire career at Sassuolo and is under contract until June 2029.
Of all the players he played with at Mapei Stadium, who was his best teammate?
“The best player is still here, (Nemanja) Matic,” Berardi replied.
“An exceptional football player and a man with great values. He has helped us tremendously with his experience.”
Berardi injured his Achilles tendon in 2024 and was sidelined for six months.
“I’m enjoying things even more now. I’m more mature and have left the dark thoughts behind,” he said.
“After the injury in 2024, I went through a difficult moment. Mentally I wanted to quit. But my mind and body weren’t like that. Luckily, they won.”
Berardi, who won Euro 2020 with Italy, has often been linked with a move to Italy’s top clubs, but a move never materialized.
“I love to play and I love Sassuolo. I have given a lot to this club and this club has given me a lot,” he said.
“So leaving was never a big issue. I’ve said in the past that I wanted to play in the Champions League, and I still do. But for things to happen, all three parties have to agree. And when it looked like there was an opportunity for a transfer, only two teams came on board.”
Berardi remains open to a summer transfer, but there are conditions.
“The door is always open. Nothing is impossible in life, so I will listen (to offers),” he said.
“The idea is always the same. I would only consider a transfer if I could be part of a project that I enjoy and where I am not seen as a passenger. I want to play in the Champions League as a central figure and not in a supporting role.”
“I hope that my body holds up in the best possible condition and that I can play for Italy again. I hope to play at the top level for another four or five years. Then we will see,” he concluded.
“One thing is for sure. I don’t want to be swept away or gradually disappear. When the time comes, I want to be the main character.”
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