Bernardeschi began his playing career with Atletico Carrara and Polisportiva Ponzano. In 2003, he moved to the Fiorentina youth system, where he spent 10 years, before spending one season on loan at Crotone during the 2013–14 season. He returned to Fiorentina the following season. In July 2017, he was sold to Juventus, with whom he won three consecutive Serie A titles, among other trophies. In July 2022, upon the completion of his contract with Juventus, Bernardeschi became a free agent and signed with Toronto FC.
At international level, Bernardeschi has represented Italy at youth level since 2011, eventually making his senior debut in 2016, and was a member of the nation's squads at UEFA Euro 2016 and UEFA Euro 2020, winning the latter tournament.
Club career
Early career
Bernardeschi began playing football at age six with Atletico Carrara. A year later he transferred to Ponzano, a football school of
Empoli, before arriving at Fiorentina, who assigned him to the "Pulcini" age group at the age of nine in 2003.[4]
After passing through the ranks of the Fiorentina youth system, he spent the
Crotone's half of Bernardeschi's contract,[7] and he was inserted into the first team under the direction of Vincenzo Montella. During the 2014–15 season
he obtained 10 appearances and three goals in all competitions, partially hampered by a fracture to his ankle
which kept him out from November 2014. He made his
Atalanta.[20][21][22] He scored his first Champions League goal on 5 December, after coming off the bench, netting his club's second goal in a 2–0 away win over Olympiacos; the result allowed Juventus to advance to the knock-out stages of the competition.[23] On 9 February 2018, Bernardeschi returned to Florence, receiving vulgar insults from home fans throughout the match; he scored a free kick in the second half to silence the crowd.[24]
2018–2022
Bernardeschi scored his first goal of the 2018–19 season in Juventus's opening Serie A match on 18 August 2018, netting the winner in a 3–2 away victory over Chievo in injury time.[25] On 12 March 2019, Bernardeschi made a great sprint that resulted in a penalty kick in a 3–0 win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.[26] In that match, he also made an assist.[26]
On 4 July 2020, Bernardeschi made his 100th appearance for Juventus in a 4–1 home win over
Sampdoria, which allowed Juventus to clinch the Serie A title.[29]
2022 Canadian Championship Final against Vancouver three days later at BC Place, he set-up Lukas MacNaughton's temporary equaliser in the second half with a trivelacross to tie the game 1–1; he later converted a penalty in the resulting shoot-out, although Toronto ultimately lost 5–3.[34] On 1 April 2023, he scored directly from a corner kick (an Olympico) against Charlotte FC in a 2–2 home draw.[35] The goal earned Bernardeschi Goal of the Matchday honours.[36]
In June 2017, he was included in the Italy under-21 squad for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship by manager Di Biagio.[39] In Italy's final group match on 24 June, Bernardeschi score the only goal in a 1–0 win over eventual champions Germany, which allowed Italy to advanced to the semi-finals of the competition.[40] Italy were eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals on 27 June, following a 3–1 defeat, with Bernardeschi scoring Italy's temporary equaliser.[41] He was named to the team of the tournament for his performances.[42]
Senior
Bernardeschi (left) shaking the hand of Sergio Mattarella (right), President of Italy, in Rome, following Italy's Euro 2020 win
From 10 to 12 March 2014, Bernardeschi was called up to the senior national team by coach Cesare Prandelli as part of an internship to evaluate young players ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup,[43] confirmed on the next meeting between 14 and 15 April.[44]
Bernardeschi received his first official call up to the Italy senior squad by manager Antonio Conte in March 2016 for friendlies against Spain and Germany.[45] He made his international debut for Italy on 24 March, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 home draw against Spain, and was involved in Lorenzo Insigne's goal.[46] On 31 May, he was named to Conte's 23-man Italy squad for UEFA Euro 2016.[47] He made his only appearance of the tournament on 22 June, in Italy's final group match, which ended in a 1–0 defeat to Ireland.[48] He scored his first senior international goal on 11 June 2017, in a 5–0 home win over Liechtenstein in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.[49]
In June 2021, Bernardeschi was included in Italy's squad for
final, after a 1–1 draw in extra-time; during the match, he replaced the injured Federico Chiesa late on in the second half, towards the end of regulation time, and later scored Italy's fourth spot-kick (which ended up being the game-winning penalty after teammate Jorginho and England's Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed their spot-kicks) in the shoot-out.[53][54]
Style of play
A quick, strong, creative, technically gifted, and hard-working player, with a good positional sense and an eye for goal, Bernardeschi was regarded as one of Italy's most exciting and talented prospects. A predominantly left-footed player, known in particular for his pace, agility, and
While Bernardeschi has largely drawn praise in the media for his ability, talent, and playing style, in July 2017, following rumours of Bernardeschi's possible transfer to Fiorentina's rivals Juventus, and the possibility of him inheriting the club's number 10 shirt, former Italy manager Arrigo Sacchi stated in an interview that although he felt Bernardeschi had "enormous potential", he also believed he needed to improve in certain aspects of his game; he commented: "He [Bernardeschi] doesn't use his right [foot] much and he needs to improve in that, if you only have one foot you risk being predictable and the opposition can shut you down more easily. I'd say he dribbles well, he takes on a defender and goes past them with agility and imagination. He also has a good shot on him, he sees the goal, takes aim and the result is always dangerous. A great player? Calm down, calm down. I’m describing a lad with notable talents, but one who has to mature and be helped. For example, he has to learn how to get into the rhythm of the game with consistency. To be great, you need to have an understanding with your team. [...] Bernardeschi needs to do better in that regard, less individual technique and more collective technique." Sacchi later also added: "He's still a lad, they need to help him and have patience with him. The important thing is not to play the game of comparisons. Bernardeschi is not Del Piero and he’s not Roberto Baggio. They were more at the centre of things, while Bernardeschi moves on the wing."[55] His decision-making has also been cited by pundits as an area in which he needs to improve as he gains experience.[80]
Personal life
In May 2019,[81] Bernardeschi's partner Veronica Ciardi gave birth to his daughter named Deva.[82] In May 2021, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Lena.[83] On 13 July 2021, the day of Veronica's birthday, the couple got married, two days after Italy's Euro 2020 triumph.[82] The marriage took place in the Carrara Cathedral, in Bernardeschi's city of birth.[82]
^"Comunicato Ufficiale N. 123" [Official Statement No. 123] (PDF) (in Italian). Lega Serie A. 16 January 2019. p. 2. Archived from the original(PDF) on 14 June 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
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Liechtenstein
Ukraine
Greece
Estonia
San Marino
