Former Juvventus winger Federico Bernardeschi believes it’s ‘absurd’ that he won the European Championship but wasn’t able to feature at the World Cup. The Toronto FC player spoke with Gazzetta dello Sport report about his time in MLS, his Juve career and why he believes the four winning nations of the various continental tournaments should automatically qualify for the World Cup:
MLS? A crazy experience, on a human and professional level. A choice I’ve never regretted, I wanted a change and I did it 100%. I found another world, another football and another energy. I saw the passion in people’s eyes again.”
Supporting Canada at the World Cup?
“That’s right and I’m happy with the way they played on their debut in Qatar because then everyone could see how high the level of American football has risen. And with the 2026 World Cup in North America in the next two to three years the growth will be exponential.
Italy? It hurts because I think we deserved it, the four winning nations of the various continental tournaments should go there by right. Just think that I’m a European champion and I’ve never played in a World Cup, absurd.
The OneLove armband? History teaches that to change you have to fight, when it comes to civil rights there is only one side to stand on, that of justice.
I’m betting on the Brazil of my friends Danilo and Alex Sandro because they’re the most complete national team, very solid defence and extraordinary champions in every department, with Neymar as an unpredictable weapon. Then there’s France, who have great options, and Spain.
Surprised by Rabiot? No because seeing him in training I had no doubts about his qualities. I am very happy for Adri because I know what it means to be criticised unfairly. Juventus should have renewed his contract months ago, where do you find a 6’3” player with his ball progression?
Working with Allegri? The elimination from the Champions League was the lowest point, but I think that was the end of a cycle, Juve hit rock bottom and then started to rise again.
Juve are in the title race and potentially have a stronger squad than Napoli, who are doing crazy things and have an extraordinary player, Kvaratskhelia. For me he is the best in Serie A, I haven’t seen someone so complete in years.
He has pace, physique, dribbling and intelligence, as well as personality and devastating speed. Napoli will struggle to keep him in the summer.
In the last few matches I have seen the real Juve again, armoured at the back and up front they have too much quality not to be able to score. In January with a full squad they will be hard to stop.
I hope so after what he has been through, but he must not make the mistake of rushing. His absence has been felt, but I repeat that the one at the start of the season was not the real Juve.
Credit Allegri with the Juve turnaround? A lot. At the beginning he couldn’t transmit his values but now he has taken over the reins. With his charisma and experience he always manages to find the right path.
I expect the team to do well in the Europa League too, you have to seize this opportunity, a trophy is always a trophy.
Ronaldo? I don’t know, maybe he will choose America too. But I think he will do a great World Cup, knowing him I think he has created this situation for himself to give himself more motivation.
In his Juve days I remember dinners full of advice, he is an excellent teacher and has a lot to give, I am sorry that his human side comes out little.
Fagioli? I was far-sighted. I watched him when he joined us and I realised what he was worth. He has great vision of the game, I’d like to see him as a regista.”
