Berardi is Atalanta BC’s first choice to replace Josip Ilicic. The 33-year-old Slovenien is in AC Milan’s pool of potential signings. AC Milan plan to make at least 6-7 signings to improve their first team. They plan to make other signings to improve their bench. City rivals Inter Milan ran away with the Scudetto last season after the Rossoneris fell behind on squad-depth. Injuries plagued a season that started almost perfectly.
Berardi has had a great year. As captain for Sassuolo, he scored 17 goals and provided 7 assists in 30 Serie A appearances. He was a part of Roberto Mancini’s Italian squad that beat England on penalties in the finals at the Euros. He made 6 appearances, most of them coming in the second-half. His energetic performances allowed the Italians to cool down after producing exciting first-halves. He took the first penalty and converted in the shoot-out of the finals.
Ilicic has been with Atalanta since 2017. He has made 149 appearances for the club, scoring 56 goals and creating 39 others. 2020/21 was a mediocre season mainly because of the packed schedule which took a toll on his fitness. Atalanta are ready to sell him and thus have set their sight on replacements.
Atalanta want to sign Berardi
Sassuolo were initially unwilling to sell Berardi. Manuel Locatelli’s move seems imminent and the I Neroverdi did not want lose 2 key players in a single transfer window. However, after talks between the player and the board, Sassuolo agreed to go according to the player’s will. Sassuolo thus announced Berardi would be on sale for €40 million. Atalanta are a bit dissuaded but will try their best while looking at other options.
Another player in their radar is Hellas Verona’s Mattia Zaccagni. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is a huge admirer of the winger but they face heavy competition from Fiorentina.
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