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Opinion: Can Bernardeschi become the "main man" at Juventus?

Opinion: Can Bernardeschi become the "main man" at Juventus?

When Rio Ferdinand left Leeds United to join arch rivals Manchester United back in 2002, it rocked English football. Two big clubs doing business with one another was a rare occurrence, especially when it involved enemies. 
 
Although not many outside Italy understand the rivalry between Juventus and Fiorentina, Federico Bernardeschi’s transfer carries the same weight as Ferdinand’s did 15 years ago – a hero of one club making the move to another that is hated the most. It has strengthened one club and ultimately weakened another as a result. 


 
Signing for £35 million, the deal of the summer in Italy so far seems an absolute steal. Bernardeschi leaves his hometown club to join Massimiliano Alllegri’s Juventus as they aim to win the title for a seventh successive year.The forward, 23, will add a lot to the Bianconeri and this very talented footballer will certainly give the champions an edge over their rivals – particularly over a free spending AC Milan.
 
Having scored 11 league goals last season as Viola finished 8th in Serie A. Bernardeschi was the biggest plus in a rather disappointing season for the Tuscan giants. As well as his ability, he is also very versatile. Last season alone he played across the midfield and even at right-wing back making him a huge threat and useful asset for Allegri if he feels the need to change things in a game. He provides explosive pace and a great shot as well as vast amounts of skill on and off the ball. His creativity when on the ball will be used to help supply Higuain with even more goals as well as pitching in with some of his own.


 
This makes him a valuable asset in a squad that is strong, hungry, experienced and ready to carry on success. Under the management of Allegri, Bernardeschi will be able to continue his development as a player. With the team he has just joined, he can no doubt go further and add something a little different to Juventus.
 
However, if there is one thing Bernardeschi will have to accept, it is that he may not be ‘the main man’ at Juventus. In Florence, he was the main outlet and everything revolved around him. He was Fiorentina’s version of Francesco Totti in some ways. In Turin, he will join players of the highest calibre and may not get the freedom he has enjoyed so far. This means he will have to up his game in order to live up to expectations.


 
His impressive form in the Under-21 European Championships raised his profile even further and prompted Juventus to make the move for the Tuscan in yet another summer of strengthening. The Italian international joins other big summer signings in Wojciech Szczesny, Douglas Costa, Juan Cuadrado and Medhi Benatia as Juventus look to continue their dominance in Serie A.


Reece Hainesborough