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Sassuolo director Carnevali discussed relationship with Juventus, Berardi failed move, admiration for Locatelli and more
In a recent interview with Tuttosport, Sassuolo’s director, Carnevali, addressed a range of topics, shedding light on the club’s dealings with Juventus, the status of star player Domenico Berardi, and the departure of Francesco Mancini, among other things.
Carnevali dispelled any notions of discord between Sassuolo and Juventus, stating unequivocally, “I was never in any dispute with Juve.”
Domenico Berardi was reportedly close to move to Juventus last summer but he ended up staying at Sassuolo after Bianconeri failed to meet the deadline date for bid submission.
Regarding Domenico Berardi, Carnevali revealed, “Domenico is slowly getting back to his best. It’s natural to have an initial moment of confusion when facing a big club’s interest. He also had a minor injury. But now we see him well and behaving as he should – a hero on and off the field.”
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When asked about the possibility of Berardi leaving in January, he left the door open, saying, “You can never rule anything out, but it would have to be a very important offer because we don’t need to sell.”
Francesco Mancini’s departure from Sassuolo’s playing squad raised questions about the club’s decision. Carnevali responded, “Let’s put it this way: Berardi comes with an important cost, and Mancini has significant value. I’m happy that one of our former players, thanks to the club’s work and De Zerbi’s, will immediately start his coaching career.”
He expressed hope for Mancini’s coaching future and praised his contribution during his 17-season stint with Sassuolo.
Carnevali clarified Sassuolo’s relationship with Juventus, stating, “Ridiculous story. We deal with everyone. In fact, among the top clubs, Juve is the one we deal with the least. The truth is we work with all clubs; just look at the various transfer sessions.”
Discussing former Sassuolo player Manuel Locatelli, who’s currently playing for Juventus, Carnevali had nothing but praise. “I have great admiration for Manuel, both personally and as a player. I’ll always remember the day he arrived from Milan: the effort and investment… We believed in it, and we were right. He can play multiple roles in midfield because he has talent, quality, and character. He’s one of the best talents in our football.”
Carnevali expressed confidence in Juventus’ prospects, saying, “I had no doubts about Juve. They’ve changed a bit, brought back players who weren’t at their peak, like Vlahovic and Chiesa. They don’t have midweek commitments and have a very good coach. For me, they’re Scudetto contenders. The real competitors for Inter.”
As Sassuolo faces Juventus, Carnavale conveyed the team’s spirit, stating, “Calmly, and without surrender. We are on a journey, and we are growing. We will flourish soon.”
Finally, he revealed that Juventus were among the clubs interested in signing Davide Frattessi, who ended up by joining Inter, by saying, “Frattesi had the ambition to go to a big club, but he didn’t have any preferences. Juve was among the first interested in signing him, but then, due to strategy or other choices, they didn’t make the move. There were other clubs, from Inter to Napoli, who tried a lot, and the player chose his destination.”
