Francesco Totti’s old stomping ground felt a fitting stage for one of the finest free-kicks you’ll ever see. Reported Spurs target Domenico Berardi whipped a 30-yard rocket over the wall and into the Roma net – clipping the bar on its way in to add to the aesthetic. The only problem was, it counted for nothing.
The Giallorossi were already 4-0 up and cruising before Berardi put forward his own goal of the season contender.
The Sassuolo talisman would then score again 20 minutes later, stroking home in style with his trusty left foot. But even his one-man comeback wasn’t enough to take the shine off an impressive Roma victory.
But while Berardi’s brace failed to save Sassuolo from an eventual 4-2 defeat, it did secure the respect of the man watching on from the sidelines, his arched eyebrows raised in admiration.
Is this why Spurs want Euro 2020 star Berardi?
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, a Tottenham side set to appoint former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca as manager has also set its sights on a summer deal for a 26-year-old labelled the “Totti of Sassuolo”.
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Fabio Paratici, Spurs’ newly appointed sporting director, is a long-time admirer of a man who inspired Italy’s 3-0 Euro 2020 victory over Turkey on Friday, shortly after becoming Sassuolo’s all-time record goalscorer.
So while Paratici is driving the deal, it’s safe to assume Fonseca wouldn’t be against the idea of coaching a player of such mercurial talents at his new home.
Berardi’s wondrous free-kick at the Stadio Olimpico is almost two years old now, and Tottenham aren’t going to sign a player solely because of one stunning set-piece from September 2019.
Incoming Tottenham boss Fonseca witnessed Berardi wonder goal
However, the fact arguably the best goal of Berardi’s career occurred directly in front of the future Tottenham manager adds another layer of intrigue to a transfer saga that’s just getting started with two months of the window remaining.
Berardi has turned down offers to leave Sassuolo in the past.
But, after more than a decade in Emilia-Romagna, has the time finally come for one of Europe’s most under-rated forwards to take the next step?
Gazzetta dello Sport claims a bid of £43 million could do the trick. But more performances like the one against Turkey – and more goals like the one against Roma – could see that price tag soar to vertigo-inducing heights before the European Championships are over.
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