Season Over for Berardi After Achilles Injury

Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi endured a devastating blow during his team’s recent away defeat against Hellas Verona, as he suffered a season-ending injury that is likely to rule him out of Euro 2024 contention with Italy.

Berardi’s premature exit from the match at minute 60 at the Stadio Bentegodi looked to be serious,  with initial reports suggesting a serious Achilles tendon injury.

Reflecting on the setback, Sassuolo’s new coach Davide Ballardini expressed his sadness, acknowledging Berardi’s significance not only for the club but also for Italian football as a whole. “Berardi is important for us but also for Italian football, so this goes beyond Sassuolo,” Ballardini remarked to DAZN after the match.

Should Berardi’s injury diagnosis confirm fears of a long-term layoff, Spalletti faces a considerable dilemma. Berardi’s anticipated role as a starting winger for Italy at Euro 2024 now hangs in the balance, prompting Spalletti to explore alternative options.

Two potential replacements for Berardi on the right wing are Nicolò Zaniolo and Matteo Politano, both of whom have featured for Italy under Spalletti’s tenure. Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini, having impressed in Serie A this season, presents another compelling choice, while Torino’s Raoul Bellanova, though uncapped at the senior level, emerges as a wildcard candidate following promising displays in Serie A.

Spalletti could also consider versatile players like Federico Chiesa, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Mattia Zaccagni, who primarily operate on the left flank but possess the adaptability to feature on the right if necessary. Similarly, forwards Wilfried Gnonto and Giacomo Raspadori offer flexibility, though they are typically deployed centrally.