In a candid conversation, Sassuolo’s CEO, Giovanni Carnevali, has opened up about Juventus’ keen interest in Domenico Berardi, the transfer of Davide Frattesi to Inter Milan, and the club’s strategic investment in Andrea Pinamonti during the Serie A summer transfer window. Known for their knack in developing young talents, Sassuolo’s dealings with top clubs were placed under the spotlight.
Juventus and the Berardi Saga
Carnevali clarified the intriguing situation surrounding Domenico Berardi’s potential move to Juventus. He debunked any rumors of disputes, stating that negotiations with Juventus never went beyond preliminary discussions. Carnevali admitted that a January exit for Berardi couldn’t be ruled out entirely, but Sassuolo would only entertain offers that truly meet their valuation, given their financial stability.
Addressing perceptions of a special connection with Juventus, Carnevali called it an “absurd story.” He emphasized that Sassuolo engages in business with a diverse range of clubs, and, interestingly, Juventus doesn’t rank at the top of their partner list in terms of frequency.
The Investment in Andrea Pinamonti
One of the more intriguing moves by Sassuolo was the approximately €20 million investment in Andrea Pinamonti. Carnevali’s rationale for this investment stemmed from Pinamonti’s youthfulness, born in 1999, aligning with Sassuolo’s focus on Italian talents. Despite a challenging settling-in phase last season, the club holds firm in their belief that this year will see Pinamonti’s talent shine, potentially elevating him to contention for a coveted center forward role in the national team.
Manuel Locatelli’s Success and Frattesi’s Departure
Carnevali expressed his genuine admiration for Manuel Locatelli, a talent who blossomed in Reggio-Emilia. His words painted a picture of a personal connection with Locatelli, praising not just his on-field skills but also his character. Carnevali fondly recalled the day Locatelli arrived from Milan and underlined how Sassuolo’s belief in the player’s potential had paid off handsomely.
Shifting focus to Davide Frattesi, Carnevali revealed that the player had harbored dreams of joining an elite club. While Juventus initially showed interest, the deal with them eventually fizzled out, leading Frattesi to explore other offers from the likes of Inter Milan and Napoli. Ultimately, Frattesi made his choice, and Sassuolo facilitated his transfer to Inter Milan during the summer transfer window.
Sassuolo’s proactive approach to nurturing talents and their flexibility in handling transfer negotiations continue to solidify their pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Italian football.
