Federico Bernardeschi was given the captaincy in Italy’s 7-0 win over San Marino and the Juventus winger admitted he has ‘more freedom’ with the Azzurri. ‘I enjoy my football here’.
The Bianconeri winger scored the opener in the first friendly ahead of Euro 2020 this summer, as the Azzurri had to wait 30 minutes for the goal against a resilient San Marino at the Sardegna Arena.
Bernardeschi has struggled at Juventus lately, but thanked the Italy CT after the game and said the former Inter coach always ‘aims to play me in a role that suits my characteristics’.
“I thank the coach, because he always showed faith in me, and I tried to repay him for that. He always aims to play me in a role that suits my characteristics and that means I enjoy my football here. When you enjoy your football, that’s when the quality is allowed to emerge,” Bernardeschi told RAI Sport.
“This is a fundamental aspect for me. It’s absolutely true that I feel more freedom here, because I am allowed to take risks here. It’s very simple.
“The quality level in the Italy squad is very high and when you have this many talents, it’s not easy for the coach. I think the coach is happy to have choices to make, and over the last two years he’s created a wonderful group that makes us feel at home. Regardless of who makes it to the Euros, this remains an excellent group and we will maintain that going forward.”
Bernardeschi revealed he was ‘very happy’ that Massimiliano Allegri is returning to Juventus ahead of 2021-22.
“I am very happy, very happy indeed that he is back. I hope to see myself working with the coach again, as it’s what I really want. He’s always treated the players really well and brought the results home.”