“We are excited to add Federico to our team,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. “As a player and as 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 the Italian national team and brings a pedigree to Toronto that is second to none.” Italian native Carrara, 28, has spent his entire career playing in his homeland and most recently played for Serie A side Juventus Football Club (Juventus), where he spent the past five seasons (2017-2022). Nicknamed ‘Brunelleschi’ by the famous Florentine architect for his creativity on the pitch, Bernardeschi made a total of 183 appearances for Juventus, scoring 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 Coppa Italia (2017/2018 and 2020/2021) and two Suppercoppa Italiana (2018/2019, 2012/2020) . “Having met with Federico a few weeks ago, we believe he is a great fit for what we are trying to build here at TFC and look forward to getting him on the field,” said Toronto FC head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley. “He is an attacking player who is also known to work hard for the team. Federico is a left winger who is comfortable playing on the right wing but can also slide into a central position when needed.” Bernardeschi began his youth career at hometown club Atlético Carrara in 2000, aged six, and in 2003, joined the youth system of ACF Fiorentina. 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 8 September 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 won 38 caps and scored six goals for the Italian national team. In the 2020 UEFA European Championship final (played in 2021), he scored the game-winning penalty in the process 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 U-18, U-19, U-20 and U-21 levels.
