Federico Bernardeschi had a “wonderful and very emotional debut” for Italy at senior level in the 1-1 draw with Spain.
The Fiorentina talent came off the bench and had a hand in Lorenzo Insigne’s opening goal.
He originally wasn’t in the squad for this friendly, but was poached from the Under-21 side.
Federico Bernardeschi had a “wonderful and very emotional debut” for Italy at senior level in the 1-1 draw with Spain.
The Fiorentina talent came off the bench and had a hand in Lorenzo Insigne’s opening goal.
He originally wasn’t in the squad for this friendly, but was poached from the Under-21 side.
“I compliment all my teammates at Under-21 level. I have to thank Gigi Di Biagio if I am here, as it’s also thanks to him that I made the step up,” he told Rai Sport.
“It’s a wonderful and very emotional debut. I am proud to be here. It’s a shame we were held 1-1 on an offside goal, but we created a great deal and those who came off the bench gave their contribution too.
“We younger players always try to give our best and help the ‘senators’ – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Tonight it went well and we are very happy with our performance.
“I tried to do what the Coach asked of me and am so very happy with this debut. Now there is another game against Germany and we must do well there too.
“I am new here, so I just have to listen to advice from everyone and work hard. If I were to be called for the tournament in France, I would be ready.
“I can play on the wing or more centrally, but I am just happy to play, so I just want to do my best.”
Bernardeschi has been linked with Barcelona, what does he make of that?
"I just want to focus on Fiorentina and Italy, then we'll see."