Bernardeschi: “Juventus values were the secret – I came back to Serie A for the World Cup” | OneFootball

Bologna forward Federico Bernardeschi has reflected on his Juventus years, revealing that the club’s Italian core and the values passed down by its leaders were key to the Bianconeri’s dominance.

Speaking to the BSMT podcast, with quotes via DiMarzio, the Bologna winger recalled how some of the Old Lady’s key figures helped shaped the player he would become.

“The Juve I experienced always concentrated its core on Italians,” he said.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna FC competes for the ball with Brooke Norton Cuffy of Genoa CFC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Genoa CFC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Buffon, Bonucci, Chiellini, Marchisio, Barzagli – they taught you what it means to be at Juventus, to respect certain rules,” he continued, “One day it would be your turn to pass those values on. That was the secret of Juve.”

Bernardeschi on Bologna welcome and World Cup dream

Bernardeschi also praised his new environment at Bologna, “There is a beautiful group here, with important values.”

“I was welcomed very well by my teammates, the city and the fans.”

After three years with Toronto in the MLS, Bernardeschi confirmed that his return to Italy was partly motivated by his international ambitions to play in next summer’s World Cup for Italy.

Federico Bernardeschi arrives for his Bologna medical (@tuttomercatoweb)

“I came back also for the World Cup,” he said, “We won the Euros but I’ve never played at a World Cup. That experience is still missing.”

Bernardeschi joined the Rossoblu on a free transfer in the summer, signing a two-year deal with an optional extension for a third.