Former Juventus winger Federico Bernardeschi believes that Juve DNA is what matters most at the club, especially in difficult moments. The 29-year-old spent five seasons in Turin before making the move to MLS club Toronto FC, and speaking in a lengthy interview with TuttoSport, the Carrara native talked about his time with the Bianconeri and how he is finding life in Canada.
Good morning Bernardeschi, after scoring a goal from a corner the question is: did you look for it or was it a lucky cross on the way back?
“I looked for it, I looked for it! We had also tried it in training. Then to score you also need a bit of luck and I had it, but I wanted to kick it into the goal.”
A goal, your third of the season, served to unlock the game against Charlotte, who at halftime led 2-0. What happened to end the game 2-2?
“Unfortunately it’s happening to us too often and it’s not good, we need to improve. Maybe we relax too much when we’re ahead and we get disorganized at the end, when we should be controlling the game, trying to make it 3-0 and 4-0 and bring home the three points. We need to improve.”
What do you think of the Juventus in this moment?
“Juve DNA is Juve DNA and that matters more than anything else. Especially when there are difficulties, we are … are used to reacting and I have to give kudos to my former teammates because it was not easy, and it is still not easy, to do this kind of thing at a time like this.”
After an initial shock following the penalty, a point between Atalanta and Monza, Juve racked up seven wins in eight days, losing 1-0 in Rome a game in which they hit the post three times. They beat Lazio in the Coppa Italia and eliminated Nantes and Freiburg in the Europa League. What is the secret of this reaction to a measure that could have sunk morale?
“I think the guys first of all came together internally, talked to each other, and from there on tried to think game by game, without making calculations, trying to go on the field thinking only about the 90 minutes. Taking all challenges as if they were inside or outside, and I must say that this helps: when you focus on one goal, without thinking long term, mentally it is easier to go and try to win all the games. That in my opinion is the secret of what has been done inside the locker room.”
How important was Allegri in this process?
“Fundamental. He was the only foothold the players could latch on to at that moment, and I think there is so much of him in this comeback. Max is good at latching onto emotions, pulling them to him and then having the team follow him in everything he says and thinks. I think his input has been crucial.”
Szczesny said after the win over Verona that even if the penalty was not lifted Juve could still reach the Champions League zone. Do you agree?
“Absolutely. Given what they’re doing and the few points that separate them from fourth in the standings, I think it’s an absolutely within reach goal.”
Now comes the Coppa Italia. Semifinal against Inter, who last year defeated you in the final and also in the Super Cup, again in overtime. What are your memories of those challenges?
“Definitely not beautiful, because we lost two Cups. Against a great team, because Inter was and is a great team and a great club. Tomorrow will be a great match and I will be very happy to see it.”
