Federico Bernardeschi: Italy's World Cup Play-off Fear is "Real," Rarely Spoke to Gattuso

Bologna winger Federico Bernardeschi has revealed he has "never truly conversed" with Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, while also acknowledging the "very real" apprehension surrounding the upcoming World Cup play-offs. He stresses that this fear, though legitimate, "must not escalate into a phobia."

The crucial World Cup play-off fixtures are drawing near, with Italy set to face Northern Ireland in the semifinals in Bergamo on March 26. Despite his role in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph, Bernardeschi is not anticipated to be included in the squad Gattuso is expected to announce next week.

Bernardeschi: World Cup Play-off Fear Should "Push You to Raise the Bar"

Bernardeschi elaborated on his limited contact with the coach: "I've never properly spoken to him, apart from brief exchanges when he visited Serie A clubs," he stated in the second segment of his interview with Gazzetta.

Italy has faced disappointment in previous World Cup play-offs, having been eliminated in both the 2018 and 2022 campaigns.

"It's a genuine fear, and its existence is justified, but it absolutely cannot transform into a phobia," the seasoned winger asserted. He believes this emotion "should motivate us to elevate our standards, ensuring we are prepared to compete." Furthermore, Bernardeschi emphasized the need for widespread national support: "The entire external environment must begin to contribute, as this is a matter that concerns all of Italy."

He also expressed concern over what he perceives as a negative public sentiment: "It feels as though people almost relish it when the Azzurri perform poorly, which is disheartening. They are quick to declare you're not good enough and judge you after merely two matches."

When prompted to select two wingers for the national team from a choice including himself, Domenico Berardi, and Mattia Zaccagni, Bernardeschi responded, "The Euros champions," implicitly endorsing himself and Berardi.

In the same interview, Bernardeschi disclosed that he had an opportunity to join Atalanta before his 2022 move to Toronto FC, admitting that financial considerations were a primary factor in his decision.

Bernardeschi subsequently returned to Serie A last summer, joining Vincenzo Italiano's Bologna squad. The former Fiorentina and Juventus star has contributed five goals and one assist across 32 appearances in all competitions for his current club.