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Bernardeschi reflects on Franchi goal joy

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Bernardeschi reflects on Franchi goal joy
Bernardeschi reflects on Franchi goal joy
Bernardeschi reflects on Franchi goal joy

Federico Bernardeschi admitted that finding the net against his old team – at his former stomping ground to boot – was a special, albeit emotional, experience. The 23-year-old notched the all-important opening goal at the Stadio Franchi when he curled in a free-kick early in the second half. “It's always nice to go back to where you've played before,” noted the 23-year-old, who came through the Viola youth ranks before joining Juventus last summer. “And coming here, scoring and then leaving with the three points just makes it all the more special.

“I celebrated when I scored because I believe a professional should respect the fans. I've always been grateful to Fiorentina, and always will, for the way they looked after me and helped me develop, but I made a career choice and now I play for another team. It wasn't an easy match for me but my team-mates were there supporting me and that really helped.” Bernardeschi's goal – coupled with Gonzalo Higuain's late second – allowed the Bianconeri to keep up the pressure on Napoli at the top of the table. “It was vital to get the win today to stay up there and keep our momentum going. We responded brilliantly at a very tough ground. We showed we're a solid, compact side with a winning mentality.”

With four goals in six league starts so far this season, the Italy winger is doing his best to make it hard for Massimiliano Allegri to leave him out of the team. “It's not easy to come into a squad like this packed full of top-class players. My team-mates and the staff here have made me feel really welcome though so it's thanks to them if I've settled in so well. “You have to fight for your place every single day here, then of course it's the boss's prerogative to pick the team he feels is best. As a professional, you have to respect his decisions and make sure you're ready to step in whenever you're called upon.”

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