Roma Closing In On Berardi

Probably the most popular transfer rumor since Eusebio Di Francesco’s arrival at Roma has been that of Domenico Berardi’s arrival in the capital. Time after time the Sassuolo winger’s name has been linked with the Giallorossi. It’s been reported that Berardi would like nothing more than to rejoin his former boss who brought the best out of him, and the feeling is said to be mutual.

Last summer, Berardi’s price tag was prohibitive and a move never materialized. However, after a very disappointing season at the Mapei, it’s been said that Berardi can be had at a cut rate this summer. Early in this market Berardi’s name was again popping up a lot, but with Monchi being busy making actual transfers, it had almost disappeared over the last month. However, the Berardi to Roma rumors have returned in force today.

Reports out of both Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta dello Sport claim that a deal is in the advanced stages and will be completed early in July, once new fiscal year begins. Ironically enough, the key to Sassuolo finally letting Berardi head to the capital is that they already have a replacement lined up. That replacement is none other than EdF’s son Federico Di Francesco. Does that mean the younger Di Francesco won’t have to buy his dad a birthday gift this year? But I digress.

Corriere and Gazzetta report that the deal for Berardi would be on an initial loan with an obligation to buy. Gazzetta is also reporting that the price tag has been set at 20 million Euros and that Berardi’s representatives are already talking to Roma about contract details. Meanwhile, both publications are reporting a Roma youngster could potentially heading to the Mapei on loan. Some of the names being floated are Mirko Antonucci and the newly acquired Nicolo Zaniolo.

However, another report out of Gazzetta leads one to believe that there could be a potential monkey wrench thrown into the mix. Sassuolo director Carnevali was quoted as saying that only one of Matteo Politano and Berardi will be sold and that Sassuolo are currently in negotiations with Inter for Politano. Carnevali was also quoted as saying that they value both of their jewels, Politano and Berardi, at 30 million Euros, which is considerably more than the 20 million Euro deal reported by Gazzettai earlier.

If Cernevali is a man of his word then a move for Berardi could serve a double purpose; strengthening EdF’s attack and denying Inter one of their top targets. The Roma-Inter dynamic may have just gotten a little more interesting. Keep an eye on the happenings in Emilia-Romagna, as it looks like they may have a direct impact on the seasons of Roma and Inter.