The player to complete the attack: Candreva or Berardi?

Last season Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic became the staples of Roberto Mancini’s attack. The Nerazzurri often relied on the Croatian’s pace and crossing ability, as well as the Argentine’s fantastic goalscoring instinct. In order to compete more competitively for a Champions League spot, Inter need to add to their attacking roster. This is why Roberto Mancini has requested for a right sided attacker.

Ironically, the two players who handed Inter painful last minute penalty defeats at the San Siro have become the Nerazzurri’s top targets. Lazio’s Antonio Candreva and Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi have emerged as Roberto Mancini’s top priorities to accommodate Ivan Perisic and Mauro Icardi in attack. Here is a guide of the two Inter targets:

Antonio Candreva

Antonio Candreva has been a long term target for Roberto Mancini. Last season Lazio failed to qualify for Europe as the whole team suffered from bad form and a lack of consistency. The Roman side’s best player was arguably Candreva. The Italian international scored 13 goals in all competitions (only 4 non-penalty goals in Serie A) and managed to set up 5 more. Candreva’s qualities make him an attractive target for teams in need of attackers. The Lazio player is known for his tireless work-rate, precise crossing ability, and a cannon of a right foot. This was seen in both of Inter’s matches against Lazio, when Candreva scored 3 goals against the Nerazzurri. Although Candreva is a quality winger, he has his weaknesses. This season Candreva displayed his lack of consistency and discipline. The Italian’s decision making is frustrating at times, and this is his top area of improvement. Antonio Candreva has also been a protagonist for Italy’s national team. In Euro 2016 alone, Candreva has shown his quality. According to various sources, including Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter are very interested in the player and are in talks with Lazio. It is well known that Claudio Lotito wants 25 million euros for his star winger, and it appears as if Inter may not match that sum. Considering Candreva’s age (29), Inter could get themselves a very experienced and proven performer. On the flip side of the coin, Candreva’s age could be a cause for concern. He may not be able to perform in the long term.

Domenico Berardi

Domenico Berardi is one of the hottest prospect in Italian football. The Sassuolo player has managed an impressive 39 goals and 23 assists in only three seasons in Serie A. Berardi brings a lot toe the table when it comes to technical quality. Berardi is a fantastic dribbler with a great eye for goal. The winger’s vision is also a key part of his game. Switching the play and playing key passes are some of his specialties. This season it seemed as if Berardi took a dip in form. The 2015-16 season was Berardi’s least prolific season in Serie A as he managed to score 7 goals and set up 6. Domenico Berardi’s discipline and temper have slightly tarnished his reputation. In the past three seasons, Berardi has picked up three red cards and 27 yellow cards [via Opta]. Inter have been interested in Berardi for some time now. Signing the Italian would be very difficult due to Sassuolo’s great relationship with Juventus. The fact that Berardi is an Inter fan could help the Nerazzurri in their pursuit. If Inter were to sign Berardi then he would certainly add a different dimension to Mancini’s attack. He is still young and has time to improve his game even further.

The Verdict

Both Domenico Berardi and Antonio Candreva would be great additions for Inter’s attack. Comparing the two, Candreva beats out Berardi on defensive contribution and his crossing ability. Berardi’s vision in open-play, as well as his ability to cut inside from the wing make him a great attacking threat. Antonio Candreva has more Serie A and international experience, while Berardi seems to have a higher ceiling and potential resale value. To sum it up, Candreva would be a better short term solution and Berardi would be a better long term solution.

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