Toronto FC announced today that the club has signed Italian international winger Federico Bernardeschi as a Designated Player until 2026. Bernardeschi will be added to TFC’s roster pending his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and work permit. In accordance with team and Premier League football policy, the terms of the contract are confidential.
“We are thrilled to add Federico to our team,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. “As a player and a person, we believe he is exactly what we need right now, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Federico has proven himself to be a champion and leader at Juventus and with the Italian national team and brings a pedigree in Toronto that is second to none.”
The 28-year-old native of Carrara, Italy has spent his entire career playing in his native country and most recently played for Serie A club Juventus Football Club (Juventus), where he spent the last five seasons (2017-2022). Nicknamed “Brunelleschi” after the famous Florentine architect for his creativity on the pitch, Bernardeschi made a total of 183 appearances for Juventus, registering 12 goals and 24 assists in all competitions (Serie A, Coppa Italia, Coppa Italia 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 Super Cups (2018/2019, 2020/2021).
“After meeting with Federico a few weeks ago, we feel he’s a great fit for what we’re trying to build here at TFC and we’re looking forward to getting him on the field,” said the Toronto FC head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley. “He is an attacking player who is also known for working hard for the team. Federico is a left-footed player who is comfortable as a right winger but can also slide into a central position when needed.
Bernardeschi began his youth career at his hometown club Atlético Carrara in 2000, aged six, and in 2003 joined the ACF Fiorentina youth system. He went on loan to Crotone (Serie B, Italy) for the 2013/2014 season, where he appeared 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 20 September 2014 when he came on as a substitute against Genoa. At Fiorentina, Bernardeschi scored 23 goals in 93 appearances (in all competitions) over three seasons.
Bernardeschi has 38 appearances and 6 goals for the Italian national team. In the 2020 UEFA European Championship final (played in 2021), he scored the winning penalty 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. He has also represented his country at the U-18, U-19, U-20 and U-21 levels.
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