Bernardeschi's Candid Chat: MLS Cash Grab, Gasperini Temptation, and Dreaming of Dybala Duel

Imagine turning down Atalanta's Gian Piero Gasperini for a sun-soaked stint in Canada. That's exactly what Federico Bernardeschi did back in 2022, and now the Bologna winger's spilling the beans in a cheeky interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. As reported by Lorenzo Bettoni at Football Italia, Fede's not holding back on his career twists, just days before his side's Europa League last-16 clash with Roma.

Back in Bluenose Heaven: Serie A's New Vibe

Bernardeschi swapped MLS glamour for Serie A grit last summer after three years with Toronto FC. And he's loving the upgrade – or at least the challenge. "The league's transformed," he says. Even the minnows are kitted out with tech and tactics these days. No more gimme games, whether you're scrapping relegation or chasing Europe.

He's backed it up on the pitch too. Five goals and an assist in 32 appearances for Bologna – not bad for a bloke some pundits wrote off as 'past it' after his Canadian jaunt. A knee knock sidelined him pre-season, but he's hit the ground running at the Dall'Ara. Proper pro, that one.

The Big Money Call: 80% Greed, 20% Life Hack

Here's the juicy bit: why Toronto over Atalanta? Gasperini personally rang him up, tempting the Italian international with a spot in his high-pressing machine. "I was tempted," admits Fede, "it could've slotted perfectly into my career." But nah, he plumped for MLS – and owns it like a boss.

"Money swayed me 80%, the rest was a lifestyle punt," he laughs off. No regrets, mind. He credits Cristiano Ronaldo from his Juventus days for drilling professionalism into him: meticulous training, body care, the lot. MLS kept him sharp – his stats there were top-drawer. Back in Italy, it took a month to tweak the engine, but now he's firing.

Oh, and Roma sniffed around when he was at Juve too. "Nah, Turin was home," he shrugs. Still got a pad there, neighbours with Yildiz no less. Classy.

Europa Dreams: Italians United, Dybala Drama

Timing's perfect for this chinwag – Bologna host Roma in the Europa League first leg on Thursday at the Dall'Ara. Shame Paulo Dybala's crocked; Fede would've relished facing his old Juve mate. "That left peg's a nightmare, but I'd have taken him on," he grins. Still, buzzing to link up with Azzurri pals post-match.

He'd rather have drawn foreign fodder anyway. "As an Italian, I want our clubs deep in Europe." Remember his no.10 bid at Juve? Knocked back for being 'too young', then Dybala nabbed it. Classic.

Bologna's riding high after knocking out SK Brann in the knockouts and smashing Udinese in Serie A. Bernardeschi's opener there was a belter. With Vincenzo Italiano at the helm, they're dreaming big.

No Park Stroll: Fede's Fire Still Burns

Doubters be damned. "I didn't jet off to Canada for a holiday," he fires back. Full commitment, always. Now, with Europe calling and form bubbling, he's proving the move back was spot on. Gasperini who? Bologna's got their Italian flair merchant, and he's ready to light up the Giallorossi.

Pour another pint – this saga's got legs. Will Fede haunt his old league rivals? Tune in Thursday. (Word count: 612)