Toronto FC announced today that the club has signed Italian international winger Federico Bernardeschi as a designated player until 2026. Bernardeschi will join the TFC squad pending his international transfer certificate (ITC) and permission of work. According to the policy of the team and Major League Soccer, the terms of the contract are confidential.
“We’re excited to add Federico to our team,” said Toronto FC president Bill Manning. “As a player and as a person, we believe that is exactly what we need right now, both on the pitch and in the locker rooms. Federico has proven to be a champion and a leader for Juventus and the Italian national team and brings an unparalleled pedigree to Toronto. “
Carrara, a 28-year-old Italian, has spent his entire career playing in his home country and, more recently, has played for Serie A club Juventus Football Club (Juventus), where he spent the last five seasons (2017-2022 ). Named “Brunelleschi” in honor of the famous Florentine architect for his creativity on the field, Bernardeschi played a total of 183 appearances with Juventus, recording 12 goals and 24 assists in all competitions (Serie A, Coppa Italia, Suppercoppa Italiana and UEFA Champions League), winning. seven titles: three Serie A (2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020), two Italian Cups (2017/2018 and 2020/2021) and two Italian Suppercoppa (2018/2019, 2020/2021).
“Having met with Federico a couple of weeks ago, we think he fits in perfectly with what we’re trying to build here at TFC and we hope he can get him on the field,” the Toronto head coach and sporting director said. FC, Bob Bradley. “He is an attacking player who is also known for working hard for the team. Federico is a left-footed player who feels comfortable playing on the right side, but who can also slide to a central position when necessary ”.
Bernardeschi began his youth career at the club in his hometown, Atlético Carrara, in 2000, at the age of six, and in 2003, he joined the ACF Fiorentina youth system. He was loaned to Crotone (Serie B, Italy) for the 2013/2014 season, where he participated in 39 matches and scored 12 goals. Bernardeschi made his professional debut at the age of 19 on September 8, 2003 against Delfino Pescara. He returned to Fiorentina for the 2014/2015 season and made his Serie A debut on September 20, 2014, when he came on as a substitute against Genoa. At Fiorentina, Bernardeschi scored 23 goals in 93 appearances (in all competitions) for three seasons.
Bernardeschi has played 38 games and scored six goals for the Italian national team. In the final of the UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021), he scored the penalty that won the match in the penalty shootout to seal Italy’s victory over England. Bernardeschi received his first call-up in March 2016 and made his international debut in a 1-1 draw against Spain. In addition, he has represented his country at the under-18, under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels.