Former Juventus and Fiorentina player Federico Bernardeschi has shared his thoughts on the upcoming crucial match between his former clubs, set to take place on Sunday. The game could prove decisive in the race for the fourth Champions League spot for the 2025/26 season.
Bernardeschi expressed his disappointment with the recent fan protests at the Allianz Stadium, stating, “What happened at the Stadium saddened me greatly. It’s never nice to see a team in difficulty, but I understand the fans’ anger, given the history of the club and the jersey. It’s justified. I believe that at this moment, Juventus needs to isolate itself and finish the season in fourth place.”
Regarding Thiago Motta’s position as Juventus manager, Bernardeschi offered a balanced view: “The project was planned over several years, and I think the club will make evaluations at the end of the season. Fourth place is the minimum Juventus should demand in a season. Based on the objectives set at the beginning, the management will have to decide whether to continue this way or make changes. Juventus can certainly achieve it, although I didn’t expect them to be in such difficulty. New projects don’t always go the right way; it’s up to the club to decide whether to give time to the new course or change direction.”
Bernardeschi was critical of Juventus’ handling of striker Dusan Vlahovic, saying, “It’s disappointing to see an asset not playing due to tactical, technical, and corporate reasons. I believe his situation depends on a combination of these three factors. He’s a strong player, a serious professional, and Juventus is not valorizing its asset by playing Kolo Muani, who is only on loan. From a corporate perspective, I consider this a mistake.”
On the other hand, he praised Moise Kean’s development at Fiorentina: “I’ve always maintained that Moise was a strong player. I expected him to be reborn, and I had no doubt he would score between 15 and 20 goals for Fiorentina, a club that’s giving him confidence and the opportunity to express himself at his best.”
Bernardeschi also commented on the title race, suggesting that Inter’s Champions League progress could impact the Serie A competition: “Everything will depend on Inter’s next Champions League round. If they advance, it will be a competitive championship; if they’re eliminated, they’ll eventually pull away from the other two contenders.”
Regarding young talent Kenan Yildiz, Bernardeschi advised against selling him: “Never sacrifice him on the market. Yildiz finds himself in a context much bigger than him. He has quality, although he’s shown it intermittently so far. Let’s put him in a different condition, with a functioning system, and then we’ll talk again. Only aliens like Yamal have consistency at that age. Let’s give Kenan time and let him grow. He shouldn’t be sacrificed.”
