In a recent print edition, Corriere dello Sport claimed that Liverpool are ready to join the race for Sassuolo winger Dominico Berardi this summer. However, it is understood that the Reds could face competition from Leicester City in pursuit of the Italy international in this off-season (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Berardi’s Impressive Numbers In Italian Football
Berardi enjoyed a rich vein of form for the Italian outfit in the previous campaign when he established himself as a consistent goal-scorer in Serie A. The Cariati-born sensation banged in 17 goals and grabbed eight assists in 30 matches for Sassuolo last season on all fronts.
The 26-year-old proved his worth as a productive wide player by averaging 1.4 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.0 clearances, 3.8 shots, 1.9 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Italian top-flight. He even distributed possession relatively well from the right flank based on his pass success rate of 80.5% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Berardi’s current contract at the Mapei Stadium is set to run out in the summer of 2024, so it would take a big offer from Liverpool if they are serious about winning the chase for his services during this summer transfer window.
Celebration of Domenico Berardi of Italy for own goal of Merih Demiral of Turkey during the UEFA EURO, EM, Europameisterschaft,Fussball 2020 Group stage – Group A football match between Turkey and Italy at stadio Olimpico in Rome Italy, June 11th, 2021. Photo Andrea Staccioli / Insidefoto andreaxstaccioli
What Will Berardi Bring To Anfield?
Berardi is a tireless runner with or without the ball and can leave everything on the pitch to help his team win. He can use his quickness to make some promising runs in the final third. The 17-time Italy international added plenty of goals and assists to his game last season and is currently amongst the most respected wingers in Italian football. He loves to get to the byline and can deliver a few inviting crosses into the opponent’s penalty box.
At 26, Berardi is enjoying the peak years of his playing career at the moment, so Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp can expect him to make an instant impact at Anfield if he can win the race for his signature this summer. The Italian talent has what it takes to compete with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah for the right to start as a member of Klopp’s frontline next season.
Berardi will bring a lot of goals and creativity to the Reds’ dressing room and would help them challenge for some major trophies over the next few seasons. The Sassuolo attacker recently tasted success with Italy as he helped his country win the UEFA Euro 2020 trophy last weekend. His confidence is sky-high right now but so is his market value. Hence, it’s safe to assume that the Merseyside giants would have to move quickly if they want to avoid a bidding war to bring Berardi to the northwest of England this summer.
