Vincenzo Italiano Questions MLS After Federico Bernardeschi Stars In RB Salzburg Win

Vincenzo Italiano has questioned the level of intensity in MLS after Federico Bernardeschi starred in Bologna’s Europa League victory over RB Salzburg.

Bologna Thrash Salzburg To Extend Unbeaten Run

The Serie A side made it 12 matches without defeat during their latest European outing, as Bologna put four past RB Salzburg to move up to 18th in the table.

Vincenzo Italiano’s side took the lead after 26 minutes as Jens Odgaard lashed the ball into the bottom left corner, but Bologna’s joy came to an end just seven-minutes later.

Federico Ravaglia thought he had done enough to keep out Salzburg’s initial effort, however, Yorbe Vertessen was there to tap the rebound into an empty net.

Both sides went into the half-time break with nothing between them and Bologna supporters were calling for Santiago Castro to enter the action after starting the match on the bench.

Italiano decided to leave the 21-year-old out as Castro continues to attract Premier League interest and this decision was rewarded in the 51st minute as the Argentine’s replacement, Thijs Dallinga, restored Bologna’s lead.

The hosts inflicted further damage on Salzburg just two-minutes later thanks to Federico Bernardeschi, as the Italian rose highest to send a vicious header into the top-right corner.

Bologna were in cruise control for the remainder of the match but there was still time for another goal, with Riccardo Orsolini scoring his seventh goal of the season across all competitions.

This victory continued Bologna’s momentum, however, Italiano’s primary focus after the match appeared to be around the increased performance from Federico Bernardeschi.

Vincenzo Italiano Questions MLS After Bologna Win

Bernardeschi returned to Serie A during the 2025 summer transfer window after spending three-years with Toronto FC and becoming one of the best players in Major League Soccer.

Despite some strong performances in North America, the 31-year-old appeared to be out of sorts during the opening stages of this season and Italiano believes MLS had a huge part to play in this.

Italiano said: “Federico arrived from a league that has a much lower tempo compared to Italy and Europe. I said when he first came here that he needed time to get used to it again, so he had picked up some different habits in Canada, but has started making that mental switch to express his quality the way he always used to.”

The United States has started to see some improvement in recent years, producing some star names like Christian Pulisic, who has recently been ruled out of Milan’s upcoming clash against Lazio – but there is still room for improvement.

Bologna will be hoping that Bernardeschi has shaken off this ‘MLS rust’ as Italiano’s side look to extend their unbeaten streak against Cremonese on December 1st.