Bernardeschi: 'Totti, Buffon my idols'

By Football Italia staff

Federico Bernardeschi reveals that his idols are Roma's Francesco Totti and Juventus' Gianluigi Buffonm, whilst discussing Fiorentina's season.

The Gigliati youngster is one of the most likely players to make Euro 2016 with the Azzurri, and much will be expected of him after a very solid campaign in Serie A.

“I'd give my championship a seven plus out of ten, as it was good, but I can still do much better,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “My relationship with Sousa gets a nine, and my own life outside of the pitch a ten.

“We may be getting a new Italian generation, but let me tell you that my idol is Francesco Totti and my personal legend is Gianluigi Buffon.

“They set two extraordinary examples. They're almost forty, and yet they are models and teachers for us youngsters.”

Bernardeschi met Buffon in person last April 24, when the Viola played against the Bianconeri, and the two had time for a chat.

“We discussed our common hometown, Carrara. One day I'd like to do what Buffon did and become the president of my city's club.

“I envy Gigi's charisma. Do you remember what he said after the Bianconeri's defeat against Sassuolo?” said the 22-year-old, in reference to an interview dating from last October. “Juve's fifth Scudetto started then. That's what I call leadership.

“Juventus are the richest club and have the strongest players. They have the highest drive.

“To take away the Scudetto from them you need to be hungrier for victory than they are. For the moment we are all behind them, in this department no less than the others.

“[Coach Paulo] Sousa? His decision to stay is good news. He'll be important, and not just as a Coach. All of Fiorentina's environment will develop thanks to him. And with a few good signings we can dream of the Champions League.”

Bernardeschi has largely been employed as a winger, but he feels that is not his natural role.

“I understood that I must walk down my path, and the role I love is that of the trequartista. I'll discuss this with Sousa at the beginning of the season.

“In that position I run less, and a striker needs to be lucid to score. I do miss scoring.

“I unleash myself in training so I won't lose my touch. But as a winger, my primary responsibility is that of running, covering for the full-back, working for the team.

“This season? We overdid it in the first half and we couldn't keep our focus in the second half. The truth lies in the middle and fifth place is an accurate reflection of our value.”

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