Involved in the three goals of an Italian team without a star but attractive, right winger Domenico Berardi was the detonator of the Nazionale during the opening match of the Euro football logically won (3-0) against Turkey, Friday in Rome.
After a very good first period, the Sassuolo player unlocked the game shortly after the return from the locker room by shooting a powerful center which was diverted from the chest into his own net by Turkish defender Merih Demiral (53rd).
A few minutes later, the 26-year-old striker was behind Ciro Immobile’s second goal: his superb cross from the right side found Leonardo Spinazzola, whose strike was repelled by the opposing goalkeeper on the striker of Lazio, who doubled the bet (66th).
Finally, at the start of the action of the third transalpine goal, it was again Berardi who was decisive by making the interception before passing the ball to Nicolo Barella. The latter served Immobile, who launched Lorenzo Insigne, who sheltered the Azzurri (79th) from a beautiful rolled shot.
The only small downside of his evening was his exit in the 85th minute after receiving a blow to the left calf. But apparently nothing serious for the left-hander, who could be still valuable during the next meeting of Italy, Wednesday against Switzerland.
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With a strong cross, Berardi provoked the home goal against Demiral after the break. © AFP / POOL / Andrew Medichini
The Sassuolo expression
Berardi has beautifully illustrated the spirit of Sassuolo who has been blowing on the Nazionale in recent months, like Manuel Locatelli, who plays with him at the club and also performed well on Friday.
The small club of Emilia-Romagna has indeed had a superb season in Serie A, finishing 8th tied on point with Roma (7th), narrowly missing a European qualification.
And Berardi has greatly contributed to his team’s performance this season, scoring 17 goals, complemented by 7 assists.
Friday at Stadio Olimpico, the Calabrian striker, who honored only his 12th selection, was from the first period in all the good moves of his team, like his “caviar” not exploited by Immobile (18th), who did not frame his attempt, or his center for the Lazio striker who sent his head just to the side (33rd).
After the break, Italy regained the efficiency that it had lacked thanks to the kicks of Berardi, also author of a nice blow of the sombrero on Umut at the end of the meeting.
The Sassuolo-trained player, who has enjoyed the luxury of pushing Juventus winger Federico Chiesa onto the bench, perfectly embodies this Italian team, unbeaten for 28 matches and thirsty for success after missing the qualification for the Mondial-2018.
Without a real star, Squadra Azzurra is nevertheless very solid and offers an attractive offensive game where any player can become the hero for a night. Bodes well for the rest of the competition.
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