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Bologna under Vincenzo Italiano continues preparation for the 2025/26 season. After the end of the retreat in Valles, the team returned to work at the Casteldebole technical center.

Niccolò Galli from Casteldebole. Right there, in front of the press, today the official presentation of Federico Bernardeschi took place, one of the new faces of the red and blue team.

The former Juventus and Toronto FC player immediately expressed great determination:

“I want the World Cup. I still have a lot of ambition, and this stage is fundamental for me. Bologna is the right place for me to get back in the game.”

Bernardeschi then had important words for the coach:

“I am here mainly thanks to Vincenzo Italiano. We have known each other for a long time, there is mutual respect. His project and his way of seeing football convinced me. I can’t wait to start.”

The ’94 class is thus returning to Serie A with the aim of relaunching himself also in the National team, aiming for a call-up for the next 2026 World Cup. A new chapter opens under the Two Towers, with great expectations and a desire for redemption.

The interview:

You have already noticed the quality of this team, but what do you think you can bring on a human level?
“I thank the club, the directors, and the executives who have given me this opportunity. They have given me the chance to return to Italy in a reality that is becoming increasingly important and established. I had been told that this was a very close-knit group, but until I entered it, I could only rely on rumors. Instead, this is a healthy group, made up of young people and men with serious values. I am very proud to be part of this group. They welcomed me very well. I came here to further enhance these values. We have three competitions ahead of us and it was necessary to expand the squad because it is a good thing for the coach.”

How much do you think about the National team?
“I have won a European Championship, but I have never played in a World Cup. I want to do everything to be there.”

Would you make the choice to go to Canada again?
“I missed Serie A, but I would make that choice again: it was an experience that I do not regret, both for me and for my family.”

How does it feel to wear the number 10 of Bologna?
“It is a historic shirt, I will try to wear it with the utmost respect, honoring those who wore it before me.”

Have you received a call from Gattuso?
“No, I have not received calls, but perhaps because I have been away for 5 years. It’s understandable.”

Have you talked to Vincenzo Italiano?
“Yes, we talked to the coach before coming here. I get along very well with him, he is a direct, honest person. We exchanged our football opinions and immediately found ourselves in tune. For me, it was an important factor that he was here.”

What will your role be?
“There are many quality players in Italy. Here I want to bring my human and football values. I wanted to get back in the game and I have integrated well. I must say that I have not lost my rhythm. For the role on the field, you have to ask the coach.”

What do you think of the competition with Orsolini?
“I didn’t know him before. We crossed paths in the National team but nothing more. He is a symbol of Bologna and he earned it on the field. We are both natural left-footed players but in strong teams, strong players are needed, especially when there are multiple competitions to play. The competition will raise the level of the team and the cohesion of the group.”

What is currently the gap between Serie A and MLS?
“At the athletic level, there isn’t one, but there is no doubt that there is a gap in terms of technical and tactical aspects. But I assure you that at the physical level, the numbers are not so far apart. It is difficult to find a more tactical league than Serie A in all of Europe. The MLS is like comparing the NBA to the EuroLeague.”

What is your Achilles’ heel?
“As far as I’m concerned, every player must question themselves. There are always automatisms and movements to learn, especially when entering a well-established team.”