Inter join the chase for Berardi

Internazionale have joined the race to sign Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi, according to reports in Italy.

Berardi had been seen as a near certainty to sign for Juventus this summer -- the club who formerly held a stake in the 21-year-old. But it has now emerged that Berardi has turned down the chance to sign for the Old Lady, citing the probable lack of first-team opportunities as chief among the reasons behind his decision.

But now Inter are making their move, and the San Siro may be a more desirable location for Berardi, as starting opportunities would be much easier to come by than they would be in Turin.

Inter had previously been eying a move for Lazio's Azzurri star Antonio Candreva, but Berardi has moved up their wish-list by virtue of being eight years younger than the Lazio man, therefore holding far greater resale value.

The Nerazzurri are believed to be willing to pay up to €25 million to secure the services of Berardi, who made 31 appearances for the Neroverdi last season, scoring seven goals and registering six assists.

If his words are sincere, he’ll play for Napoli for at least the next five years. “I’m ready to extend his contract, I’m so fond of him as a man and as a player. I want Pipita to stay at Napoli forever.