Bologna FC have been dealt an early preseason blow after their newly signed winger, Federico Bernardeschi, suffered a potentially serious knee injury during a friendly match against Vis Pesaro. The 31-year-old was forced off the pitch in the 55th minute, shortly after scoring from the penalty spot—an early highlight that quickly turned into a moment of worry.
What initially appeared to be a minor knock is now raising concerns within the club. According to a report by Sport Mediaset, early assessments suggest there may be ligament damage, a scenario that could sideline Bernardeschi for an extended period.
The club is currently awaiting the results of a comprehensive medical evaluation, scheduled for Saturday. If the fears of ligament damage are confirmed, the situation would represent a massive setback not only for Bernardeschi personally but also for Bologna’s plans heading into the 2025/26 Serie A season.
Bernardeschi’s Return to Italy Faces Early Setback
Federico Bernardeschi had only just completed his return to Italian football, signing with Bologna last month on a free transfer. The former Juventus winger had spent the past three seasons in Major League Soccer with Toronto FC, where he played a key role before parting ways at the end of his contract.
The move back to Serie A was seen as a chance for the Italian international to reignite his career in one of Europe’s top leagues. Bologna, under new leadership and aiming to build on their mid-table consistency, were banking on Bernardeschi’s experience, creativity, and winning mentality to guide their revamped squad.
However, this injury now threatens to derail those plans before the season has even started. If the scan confirms ligament damage—especially an ACL or MCL tear—it could potentially sideline Bernardeschi for several months, possibly into 2026.
Strategic Headache for Bologna’s Coaching Staff
Bernardeschi’s absence could force Bologna’s coaching team into an early tactical rethink. Losing a player of his caliber—especially one with UEFA Champions League experience and a Euro 2020 winner’s medal—would require either internal reshuffling or urgent activity in the summer transfer window.
Bologna may need to rely more heavily on younger or less experienced wingers, which could affect both performance and consistency. Alternatively, the club might have to accelerate plans to sign another wide attacker before the start of the campaign.
Head coach [insert coach’s name if available] will now need to monitor the transfer market closely while also assessing how the current squad can adapt to Bernardeschi’s absence. The injury could also shift the focus to developing versatile midfielders capable of filling the creative gap on the flanks.
An Unfortunate Turn in Bernardeschi’s Comeback Story
For Bernardeschi, this injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. At 31, he is in a critical stage of his career, where consistency and fitness are essential to maintaining a role in top-flight football. His move to Bologna was expected to be the platform for a new chapter—a chance to prove he still belongs among Italy’s elite.
Having been out of the Serie A spotlight since leaving Juventus in 2022, Bernardeschi was eager to show that his skills, leadership, and technical prowess remained intact. Scoring in his first major preseason appearance had hinted at a promising start—only for it to be quickly overshadowed by injury concerns.
What’s Next for Bologna and Bernardeschi?
All eyes now turn to the results of Saturday’s medical evaluation. A clean bill of health would offer huge relief for the club and its fans. However, should the tests confirm serious ligament damage, Bologna’s summer plans may have to change dramatically.
Supporters, teammates, and coaching staff alike will be hoping for positive news, but the uncertainty has already added an unwanted layer of anxiety to the club’s preseason preparations.
Regardless of the outcome, Bernardeschi’s professionalism and experience will continue to be a valuable asset to the squad—whether on the pitch or supporting from the sidelines during his recovery.
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