Domenico Berardi, the Italian football sensation, was born on August 1, 1994, in the charming town of Cariati. His journey to the top began at the tender age of 13, when he joined the youth academy of Cosenza. A few years later, at the age of 16, he moved to Sassuolo, where his footballing talent truly blossomed.
Berardi’s first taste of senior football came on August 27, 2012, when he made his debut for Sassuolo. Five days later, he scored his first professional goal, a moment that marked the beginning of his remarkable career.
His impressive performances didn’t go unnoticed and, by November 2012, Berardi found himself linked with a move to several English clubs. A year later, in June 2013, he was hailed as the “undoubted star” of the Sassuolo team, a testament to his rising prominence.
A Promising Partnership: Juventus and Sassuolo
Berardi’s talent was evident to all, and Juventus, one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs, recognized his potential. On September 2, 2013, Juventus officially announced that Berardi had joined the club on a co-ownership basis. This move involved a transfer of Luca Marrone to Sassuolo for a fee of €4.5 million.
However, Berardi remained at Sassuolo on a season-long loan, allowing him to continue his development in a familiar environment. On October 20, he scored a penalty for Sassuolo in their first Serie A victory, pulling them out of the bottom spot. This goal was a significant step in their fight for survival.
Making History with a Hat-Trick and More
Berardi continued to shine, scoring a hat-trick (three goals in one match) in Sassuolo’s first Serie A away victory, a thrilling 4-3 triumph against Sampdoria on November 3, 2013. He secured two of these goals from penalties, showcasing his composure and skill.
On January 12, 2014, Berardi achieved a remarkable feat – scoring all four goals in a 4-3 home win against Milan. This achievement made him the second youngest player to score four goals in a single Serie A match, after the legendary Silvio Piola in 1931. He also became the first player to score four goals in a league match against Milan, solidifying his position as a rising star.
A Spectacular Finish to an Exceptional Season
Berardi’s brilliance continued throughout the season. On May 6, 2014, he scored another hat-trick, this time against Fiorentina, in a 4-3 away win. His exceptional goal-scoring ability was crucial in helping Sassuolo avoid relegation, securing their place in Serie A.
Berardi finished the season with an impressive 16 goals in 29 league matches, solidifying his status as a key player for Sassuolo. His journey from a young talent to a prolific goalscorer was nothing short of remarkable. His passion for the game, combined with his exceptional skills, made him a fan favorite and a future star of Italian football.
