Domenico Berardi: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

Sassuolo

Domenico Berardi began his professional career with Sassuolo, making his senior debut in Serie B on 27 August 2012. He instantly made an impact by scoring his first professional goal five days later in a victory over Crotone. His performances during the 2012-13 season were instrumental in Sassuolo's promotion to Serie A, finishing the campaign with 11 goals and individual accolades as the Best Player of Serie B. In the subsequent seasons, Berardi became a critical figure for Sassuolo in Serie A. Notably, during the 2013-14 season under a co-ownership deal with Juventus, Berardi made headlines by scoring four goals against AC Milan and finishing the season with 16 league goals, ensuring Sassuolo's survival in Serie A. In following years, his consistent performances and goalscoring abilities solidified his reputation. During the 2014-15 season, Berardi not only scored 15 goals but also contributed 10 assists, achieving his 30th Serie A goal faster than many football legends, earning further admiration across Europe. His progression continued through subsequent seasons, with unforgettable performances, such as the ones in the UEFA Europa League in 2016-17, marking Sassuolo's historical foray into European competitions. As of the 2022-23 season, Berardi became the most prolific Italian goal scorer in Serie A alongside Ciro Immobile, continuously proving his worth to Sassuolo.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Berardi's international journey began with the Italian under-19 team, though it faced interruptions due to disciplinary issues. He later became a prominent member of the Italy under-21 team, making his debut in 2014 and contributing significantly to their European Championship qualification campaigns. In the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Berardi showcased his talent, scoring and assisting in critical matches.

Senior National Team

Berardi's rise in club football earned him a call-up to the senior Italy national team in 2015, though his debut came in 2018 under Roberto Mancini. He participated in UEFA Euro 2020, where his performances were integral to Italy's success. Notably, his involvement in creating crucial goals and scoring in pivotal matches helped Italy secure the championship. Berardi also contributed to Italy's third-place finish in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League by scoring the match-winning goal in the bronze medal match against Belgium.

Domenico Berardi is a prominent Italian footballer renowned for his exceptional skills as a forward or right winger. He currently plays for Serie B club Sassuolo and represents the Italy national team. Berardi's career is distinguished by his considerable contributions to Sassuolo, where he remains the club's all-time top scorer. His prowess on the field has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Bravo Award in 2015, and he played a pivotal role in Italy’s UEFA Euro 2020 victory.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• Won Serie B with Sassuolo in the 2012-13 season, contributing to the team's promotion to Serie A.
• UEFA European Championship winner with Italy in 2020.
• Secured third place with Italy in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League.

Individual Achievements

• Serie B Footballer of the Year in 2013.
• Bravo Award recipient in 2015.
• Recognized as Serie A's top assist provider for the 2014-15 and 2021-22 seasons.

Awards and Recognition

Berardi received the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2021 for his contributions to sports and Italy's triumph at the UEFA European Championship.

Career Overview

Domenico Berardi’s career epitomizes dedication and consistent performance. His influence is significant within Italian football, both at the club and national levels, showcasing the journey of a talented local player rising to international prominence.

Off the Field

Berardi maintains a low profile off the field, focusing on his sport and continuing to contribute to his team’s success through passionate play and continued dedication.

Personal Life

While Berardi remains primarily private regarding his personal life, it is noted that his upbringing in Calabria and subsequent career advancements were supported by his early football engagements and affiliations. Off the pitch, he has shown a marked interest in following his childhood favorite club, Inter Milan.