Federico Bernardeschi has been one of the most improved players for Juventus this season. Considered a surplus to Andrea Pirlo’s requirements, the Italian international has somewhat revitalised his career in Turin under the management of Massimiliano Allegri.
While Bernardeschi was granted only 972 minutes of playing time across 27 appearances by Pirlo last season in Serie A, the versatile playmaker has enjoyed a much steadier run of games this term, having already accumulated six starts in the top tier of Italian football. Though, he is yet to rack up a goal or assist this term.
His only goal contributions came in the Champions League, with both being assists against Chelsea and Zenit respectively. Allegri showing faith in Bernardeschi has boosted the player’s morale and consequently, the player is doing everything possible to help his boss mount a formidable team.
Federico Bernardeschi’s injury could worry Juventus
As such, the news of his latest injury might bear worrying signs for Juventus and Allegri. A regular in the squad for Roberto Mancini’s European champions, Bernardeschi picked up a low-grade lesion of the right iliopsoas muscle, as revealed by the tests carried out by the Italian medical team in the aftermath of Gli Azzurri’s 0-0 draw against Northern Ireland in the last round of World Cup qualifying.
Italy needed to beat Northern Ireland by a margin of three goals on Monday night to topple Switzerland and secure their place in next year’s Qatar World Cup via automatic qualification. Failing to do so, Italy will now have to compete in the playoffs next March to obtain a spot in Qatar.
Meanwhile, it has been reported by Romeo Agresti that new checks on Bernardeschi’s injury will be carried out in the next ten days. Sky Sports Italia say that the player will miss Juve’s upcoming matches against Lazio, Chelsea, and Atalanta.
Bernardeschi’s contract is set to expire in June 2022, meaning he’ll be a free agent next summer. However, as reported earlier, the club is willing to offer the 27-year-old a contract extension. An injury could just complicate things for both parties.