Toronto, arriva anche Bernardeschi: ecco l’annuncio ufficiale

“We are thrilled to add Federico to our team,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. “As a player and a person, we believe he’s exactly what we need right now, both on the field and in the locker room. Federico has proven himself to be a champion and a leader at Juventus and for the Italian national team and brings a pedigree to Toronto that’s second to none.”

The Carrara, Italy native, 28, has spent the entirety of his career playing in his home country and most recently played for Serie A club Juventus Football Club (Juventus), where he spent the past five seasons (2017-2022). Nicknamed “Brunelleschi” after the famous Florentine architect for his creativity on the pitch, Bernardeschi made a combined 183 appearances for Juventus, registering 12 goals and 24 assists across all competitions (Serie A, Coppa Italia, Suppercoppa Italiana and UEFA Champions League), winning seven titles – three Serie A (2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020), two Coppa Italia (2017/2018 and 2020/2021) and two Suppercoppa Italiana (2018/2019, 2020/2021).

“Having met with Federico a couple of weeks ago, we think he’s a great fit for what we’re trying to build here at TFC and look forward to getting him on the field,” said Toronto FC Head Coach and Sporting Director Bob Bradley. “He’s an attacking player who is also known for working hard for the team. Federico’s a left footed player who’s comfortable playing on the right wing but can also slide into a central position when needed.”

Bernardeschi began his youth career at his hometown club, Atletico Carrara, in 2000, at the age of six, and in 2003, he joined the ACF Fiorentina youth system. He went on loan to Crotone (Serie B, Italy) for the 2013/2014 season, where he appeared in 39 games and recorded 12 goals. Bernardeschi made his professional debut at the age of 19 on September 8, 2003, against Delfino Pescara. He returned to Fiorentina for the 2014/2015 season, and made his Serie A debut on September 20, 2014, when he came on as a substitute against Genoa. At Fiorentina, Bernardeschi tallied 23 goals in 93 appearances (in all competitions) over three seasons.

Bernardeschi has earned 38 caps and scored six goals for the Italian National Team. In the 2020 UEFA European Championship Final (played in 2021), he scored the game-winning penalty in the shoot-out to seal Italy’s victory over England. Bernardeschi received his first call-up in March 2016 and made his international debut in a 1-1 draw against Spain. In addition, he has represented his country at the U-18, U-19, U-20 and U-21 levels.