Federico Bernardeschi admits his spell at Toronto FC is not going as he expected and was probably the ‘wrong project’, so he leaves a door open for his return to Juventus.
The Italian winger left Turin in 2022 to join Toronto FC as a free agent.
However, he’s having a tough time with the MLS side, despite 13 goals scored in 47 appearances.
“It was not like everyone expected, starting from the club. We have had many difficulties, there have been changes of coaches and probably it was the wrong project,” the ex-Juventus winger told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Personally, I had a decent season, it was a nice experience in a totally different football, where trips are longer and it’s not simple logistically. It takes a period of time to adapt, I’ve learned a lot and finally, I’ve recovered from groin issues after one and a half years of struggles.”
Bernardeschi’s Toronto FC didn’t even qualify for the MLS play-off this season, but the Italian scored five goals in 31 appearances across all competitions.
His former club Juventus meet Inter in a key Serie A fixture on Sunday. Is he surprised to see the Old Lady second in the table, just two points below the Nerazzurri?
“No, because I know the Juventus world well and Max. I expected it and I am happy,” he replied.
“It’s unfair to make comparisons [with my Juventus side]. These guys must gain experience to become champions, but the most important thing is not to lose the mentality. The environment makes the difference and I see the same spirit of the old Juventus.”
Bernardeschi scored 10 goals in 106 appearances under Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus, winning two Serie A titles with the Livorno-born coach, plus one with Maurizio Sarri.
“Max [Allegri] is excellent at managing and the 3-5-2 is an ideal system,” continued Bernardeschi.
“I hadn’t seen such a solid Juventus for many years. Allegri has always built title-winning seasons on the team’s characteristics. It’s not true that he does not like to attack. We played with five attacking players. Simply, he adapts to the players he has.”
Inter are favourite against Juventus on Sunday, but how can the Old Lady win and leapfrog their rivals at the top of the Serie A table?
“They must play as they know. If they enter the pitch without being obligated to win, knowing and respecting the opponents’s strength,” argued the 29-year-old who refused to rule out a return to Turin in the future.
“I’ve developed as a man and as a footballer at Juventus. A piece of my heart has remained there. I will always be there for Juventus and I still have a house in Turin,” he concluded.
Bernardeschi scored 12 goals in 183 games at Juventus between 2017 and 2022. His contract with Toronto FC expires in June 2026.