The highly-rated winger may miss Friday's clash with flu, but both he and full-back Sime Vrsaljko are top targets for the Serie A leaders in the coming transfer window
According to Massimilliano Allegri's wisdom, Juventus will face two vital Scudetto test in the coming weeks in the shape of Sassuolo and Torino. The countdown has begun, points are worth gold and every error could prove fatal at the end of the season.
But Friday's game at home to Sassuolo - with a total of 17 wins, one draw and no defeats, a popular opponent for the Bianconeri - is not just key to Juve's Serie A chances. There are two Neroverdi starlets who, if the club get their way, could be lining up in Turin come next season.
Domenico Berardi and Sime Vrsaljko have long been targets for the Italian giants, and the pair remain high on the list of priorities for the coming transfer window. Directors Beppe Marotta and Paratici are working incessantly on the future, and Juventus' privileged relationship with Sassuolo also has eased negotiations.
The former is a doubt to play in Turin, after coming down with a bout of flu. His absence, however, will hardly slow down negotiations.
Berardi was until recently believed to be on the verge of a move to Juventus Stadium, but sources indicate that the youngster's wishes could delay a move. The winger is keen to spend one more year at Sassuolo, whom he joined at the tender age of 16.
The Croatian full-back, meanwhile, has been admired by the Old Lady since his Genoa days, and his brilliant performances this season have only heightened his profile. Juventus could face stiff competition from the Premier League for their man, or even from Scudetto rivals Napoli, who are closing in on Vrsaljko.
Juve, however, are making full use of their special relations. Goal understands that Marotta will soon meet with Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali to evaluate the current situation. Allegri is a big fan of Berardi's pace and technique, and fully supports the board's overtures towards the 21-year-old. The rest depends on the player himself and his plans for the immediate future.
Interest from Tottenham is not a worry for the Juve board, who are in constant communication with Sassuolo and the youngster's inner circle to gauge if his head has been turned by the prospect of the Premier League. Vrsaljko, meanwhile, has honed his defensive game and when it comes to crossing has few equals in Serie A.
The Croat is seen as the right investment at the right time as a long-term successor to Stephan Lichtsteiner, and Juventus are working hard to make the deal reality.
- Goal