Berardi's red card vs. Genoa adds to poor Serie A disciplinary record
Sassuolo striker Domenico Berardi added another red card to his growing collection on Sunday, enough to finally draw some criticism from his manager Eusebio Di Francesco.
Berardi - touted as the future of Italy's attack - has developed a bad-boy reputation, receiving more cards (30) over the past three seasons than any other Serie A player, according to Opta.
The latest came after he was dismissed for throwing a retaliatory kick at Genoa defender Cristian Ansaldi in a 2-1 loss. With a mischevious smile, Berardi looked like he hadn't learned anything from his previous transgressions.
"I will have a word with Berardi, because this is not the first time it has happened," Di Francesco told Rai Sport. "He gets sent off or suspended regularly, it's becoming a problem.
"His exit ruined our game plan."
Berardi's value still remains intact. He has 33 goals in 72 Serie A matches, and Italian clubs have noticed. Juventus, which previously co-owned the 21-year-old striker with Sassuolo, reportedly has a "verbal agreement" in place to acquire Berardi next summer, by which point he may be representing Italy in Euro 2016.
He received his first senior call-up in October, only to withdraw from the Azzurri with an injury.