Bologna winger Federico Bernardeschi says he ‘never talked’ to Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso and admits fear of World Cup play-off is ‘real’ but ‘it must not turn into a phobia.’
The World Cup play-offs are just around the corner, with Italy hosting Northern Ireland in the semifinals in Bergamo on March 26.
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Bernardeschi, a Euro 2020 winner, is not expected to be part of the team that Gennaro Gattuso will release next week.
Bernardeschi: World Cup play-off fear should ‘push you to raise the bar’
“I’ve never talked to him, except when he visited Serie A clubs, and we exchanged a couple of words,” Bernardeschi said in the second part of his interview with Gazzetta via
Italy have already been knocked out of the World Cup play-offs in 2018 and 2022.
“It’s a real fear, and it’s right that it exists, but it must not turn into a phobia,” said the experienced winger.
“It should push you to raise the bar, so you’re ready to compete. The entire external environment needs to start helping, because it’s something that belongs to all of Italy.
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“It seems to me that people almost take pleasure when the Azzurri do badly, and that’s an ugly thing. They can’t wait to say you aren’t good enough and judge you after just two matches.”
When asked to pick two wingers for the Azzurri, choosing among him, Domenico Berardi, and Mattia Zaccagni, Bernardeschi replied, “The Euros champions,” which means he and Berardi.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Federico Bernardeschi of Bologna FC celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Udinese Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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During the same interview, Bernardeschi revealed that he could have joined Atalanta before signing for Toronto FC in 2022, admitting that his decision
Bernardeschi returned to Serie A last summer, joining Vincenzo Italiano at Bologna.
A former Fiorentina and Juventus star, Bernardeschi has grabbed five goals and one assist in 32 appearances across all competitions.