Italian football has always been recognized as the one that “nurtures” most loyal players. Unlike other top leagues, Serie A has been full of players willing to spend their entire careers at only one team.Juventus had Alessandro Del Piero – who refused to leave even when the Old Lady was relegated – and Gaetano Scirea, AC Milan had Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi, Inter Milan had Giuseppe Bergomi and Javier Zanetti, while Roma provided the latest examples of loyalty, embodied in Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi.And when many started thinking football on the Boot had lost this priceless quality, one man returned to the centre of attention, proving that this flame of devotion and fidelity was still alive.Domenico Berardi wearing Sassuolo’s #10 last month (©Luca Amedeo Bizzarri/Getty Images/Gallo Images) This is the story of Domenico Berardi and his unbreakable bond with Sassuolo.Although born in Cariati – a small town of a little over 8,000 inhabitans – in the far south of Italy, Berardi moved way up to the north, to Sassuolo at the age of 16, after spending just two years at the nearby Cosenza’s youth categories.Despite growing up over 750 km away from Sassuolo, it shortly became Berardi’s home. Following two seasons in the Neroverdi’s youth teams and one with the senior crew – in which Sassuolo topped the Serie B, and Berardi noted 11 goals and six assists – he joined Juventus on a co-ownership basis. But his separation from the Mapei Stadium was just theoretical.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Berardi joined the Bianconeri for €4.5 million but spent the following two seasons on loan at Sassuolo before returning permanently, this time for €10 million. Juve had a buyback option but didn’t activate it in 2016 while Berardi and his beloved club were preparing for their maiden European adventure.After finishing sixth in Serie A, Sassuolo secured the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. They knocked out the Swiss Luzern – Berardi scored the club’s first-ever goal in Europe – and the Serbian Red Star Belgrade, reaching the group stage. And even though they finished last in a group with Athletic Bilbao, Genk, and Rapid Wien, their sole participation in the UEL was a major step for Sassuolo.In August 2017, Berardi signed a new five-year deal with the club, and ten months later, he debuted for Italy under Roberto Mancini in a friendly match against France. Even then, he didn’t think about leaving.In 2021, Italy stunned the football world, becoming European Champions after beating England at Wembley on penalties. Berardi was one of the key members of this Azzurri squad, starting five out of seven games Mancini’s crew played in the tournament.💚🖤 Domenico Berardi: The Loyal Warrior ⚔️⚽📊 399 games🥅 148 goals🎯 108 assistsAll for Sassuolo 🔥While others chased fame, Berardi stayed true 💪🔥 One of Italy’s finest of the decade — and a true football icon of loyalty. 🙌🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/EMXaJYIz7R— Football & Witball (@FootballWitball) June 14, 2025 Many Italian and foreign giants were interested in him, but he remained faithful to Sassuolo.Yet, the Neroverdi never again reached European competitions, and their fortunes changed. In the 2023/2024 campaign, Sassuolo were relegated after spending 11 straight seasons in Italy’s top flight. Berardi didn’t even consider leaving.He stayed and helped the club bounce back instantly, as Sassuolo dominated the Serie B and secured the return to the top tier from the top spot. Berardi captained the team and led it to glory with six goals and 14 assists.The June Transfer Windows has started, and the forward may be on several sides’ wishlists, just like he was during the past ten years. However, they should be aware that their desires are doomed from the beginning.Meet Domenico Berardi. He has spent 15 years at Sassuolo.Had a great season? Berardi stayed at Sassuolo.Won the EUROS with Italy? Berardi stayed at Sassuolo.Sassuolo got relegated to Serie B? Berardi still stayed at Sassuolo.He played well enough every single season to… pic.twitter.com/UnP7QF3P8t— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 5, 2025 When he scored goals in the Europa League – he stayedWhen he had outstanding seasons – he stayed.When he won the EURO with Italy – he stayed.When Sassuolo were relegated to Serie B – he stayed.Now, he’ll have a chance to captain the Neroverdi in the Serie A once again, and he wouldn’t miss that for anything in the world. He could have left before, but he didn’t. On August 1, he’ll turn 31, and it may be too late for a transfer.No, not because he’s washed out. On the contrary, he has a lot more to offer. But only to Sassuolo.##NAJAVA_MECA_8977254##
