Sassuolo Football Club has officially announced that Domenico Berardi, a key player in their squad, has incurred a severe injury identified as a ‘complete lesion of the Achilles tendon’. Consequently, Berardi is scheduled to undergo surgical intervention on Tuesday morning. This unfortunate incident occurred during Sassuolo’s recent match against Hellas Verona, resulting in Berardi’s premature conclusion of the current season. Notably, Berardi had recently returned to the field following a significant hiatus due to a prior injury, marking his first start in nearly two months.
“Exams undergone this morning by Domenico Berardi highlighted a complete lesion of the Achilles tendon in his right leg,” the Neroverdi said in a statement.
“The footballer will undergo surgery tomorrow morning from doctor Stefano Zaffagnini at the Casa di Cura Toniolo in Bologna.”
Berardi’s recent injury signifies a significant setback for the 29-year-old, rendering him unavailable for the remainder of the season, including Euro 2024 representing Italy. This development deals a substantial blow to Sassuolo, particularly given their recent appointment of Davide Ballardini as the new coach.
The absence of Berardi has already proven detrimental to the Neroverdi, evident in their performance as they suffered five losses in their last six matches. Their defeat to Hellas Verona on Sunday further highlighted their vulnerability, with Poland international Karol Świderski securing the winning goal for the Scaligeri shortly after Berardi’s injury.
Throughout the current Serie A campaign, the Italy international has been instrumental, contributing nine goals and three assists in 17 appearances.
Comparisons to his compatriot Leonardo Spinazzola, who endured a similar injury during Euro 2020 and subsequently spent 10 months sidelined, underscore the severity and potential duration of Berardi’s absence.