Domenico Berardi made a brilliant comeback to the national team after missing out in September due to injury, as he knocked in two strikes against Malta in Italy’s 4-0 victory. Azzurri boss Luciano Spalletti was full of praise after the Sassuolo winger’s match-winning performance but urged his improvement in a couple of aspects.
Spalletti spoke to Sky Italia (via SassuoloNews) following the win, which takes Italy closer to group leaders England.
“First of all Jack (Bonaventura) broke the deadlock with a shot like the champion he is. In addition to the great goal, he showed quality in the close quarters in coming out of difficult situations. Berardi is known to have the knockout punch: he is tough to stop when he chooses to kick towards the goal and knows how to find solutions.”
However, Spalletti expects Berardi to continue improving.
“I expect something more in one-on-ones and in participation in the game. You can unhinge these matches if you find superiority thanks to the wingers dribbling past their men.”
The 4-0 victory at the Stadio San Nicola pitched Italy close to qualifying for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany next year, as they sit on 10 points level with Ukraine, but having played a game less.
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