Bernardeschi: ‘Serie A after MLS is like joining the NBA’ | OneFootball

Federico Bernardeschi admits he ‘missed’ Serie A football while at Toronto FC, uses an NBA analogy, and believes this move to Bologna can put him in the frame for Italy at the 2026 World Cup.

The attacking winger was a free agent after his contract with the MLS club was allowed to run down, putting pen to paper on a new deal with Bologna until 2027, with option to extend for a further season.

“I thank the club, directors and my agent who gave me the opportunity to return to Italy in an increasingly important club,” said Bernardeschi in his presentation press conference this afternoon.

“I am very proud to be a part of this squad and they gave me a really warm welcome. We are in three competitions and it is up to us to ensure the coach has everyone in form to choose from.”

Bologna won the Coppa Italia last season, beating Milan in the Final, and therefore qualified for the Europa League, having participated in the Champions League last term.

Bernardeschi back in Serie A

TORONTO, ON – MARCH 15: Federico Bernardeschi #10 of Toronto FC runs during the first half of a game against Chicago Fire FC at BMO Field on March 15, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

This is a return to Italian football for Bernardeschi, who had gone out to Major League Soccer in 2022 along with Lorenzo Insigne.

“I did miss Serie A, but I also would make that decision again. It was an experience I don’t regret, both for me and for my family. In physical terms, there’s no gap between MLS and Serie A, but undoubtedly there is on a technical and tactical level. It is frankly difficult to find a more tactically advanced league than Serie A in all of Europe. But MLS with Serie A is like comparing the EuroLega basketball competition to the NBA.”

TORONTO, ON – MARCH 15: Federico Bernardeschi #10 of Toronto FC looks on during the second half of a game against Chicago Fire FC at BMO Field on March 15, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

At the age of 31, Bernardeschi has his sights on a sensational return to the Nazionale, especially if Italy qualify for the 2026 World Cup that will be played in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Did he receive a call from new Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso?

“No, but considering I’ve been away from the Nazionale for five years, that’s understandable. I won the Euros, but never played in the World Cup. I want to do everything possible to be there.

“I haven’t played a full match for months, but I am in good shape and have to work hard to get up to speed. I’ll be honest, Canada was a lovely experience, but when I got back home at the end of the day, I was missing something. I feed on adrenaline and like a bit of pressure every day. I missed it.”