Sky Sport Italia report that Juventus will pay Sassuolo €25m for winger Domenico Berardi.
The 21-year-old’s future has been the subject of much speculation, despite the forward previously being jointly owned by the two clubs.
Juventus sold their half of Berardi’s contract to the Neroverdi last summer, but there is believed to be a gentleman’s agreement in place which gives the Bianconeri first option on the player.
With previous reports suggesting Sassuolo may yet sell Berardi elsewhere, Sky Sport report that Juve will stump up €25m to bring the Italian Under-21 international to Turin in June, rather than risk entering a bidding war for the player.
I have not seen much of him. How good is he? A future world class player, or a squad member?
Somewhere in between I would suggest for now, Dar Black. He has a brilliant left foot, can shoot from range, his distribution is smart form within play and set pieces and he possesses good pace. He scores more often beautiful than simple goals, creates plenty of chances for others and is only 21. Considering his age, and the form of the last three seasons, he would be great value at EU25m. He has so much time to improve his game and has never received the coaching available at Juve or played alongside other world class players.
He does need to work on his discipline, or perhaps more his tackling, for most of his challenges lead to a foul. Still, there is fire in his belly and from what I have seen his tacking is less reckless than Zaza! Which is hardly a great compliment for every tackle Simone makes seems a potential red card or a career ending maul of his unfortunate victim.
I would much rather have Berardi than Cuardrado. Yet assume we will end up with both.
The italian has end product, age on his side and experience of fighting and succeeding in the top flight. To miss the opportunity to sign him, after maintaining our interest since he sprung to life in Serie B (with Sassuolo) would be a grave mistake.
He hasn’t been as prolific this season yet Sassuolo have played a little differently, built on the consolidation campaigns of the last two seasons and blossomed into a worthy top 8 side. Would be wonderful to see them in Europe, yet the gap has become too large I assume. They are my favourite side in Italy after juve…young, very italian, plucky, well run, well organised, fearless.
I imagine we will also pick up Vrsaljko. As we have no natural alternative to Lichsteiner at RB/RWB. And Caceres is skanking us…