By Clemente Lisi - MORRISTOWN, NJ (Jan 28, 2009) US Soccer Players -- Although many Americans have found success in the English Premier League, very few have had a chance to play in Italy’s Serie A. In 2006, New Jersey-native Vincenzo Bernardo signed with Napoli’s youth team, putting himself in position to be the first American-born player in Serie A since Alexi Lalas donned a Padova jersey in 1994.
Since Bernardo moved to Italy, several other Americans - including Giuseppe Rossi, Gabriel Ferrari and Oguchi Onyewu – have signed contracts with Italian clubs, resulting in varying degrees of success. None of them, with the exception of Rossi (who then opted to play for Italy because he holds dual citizenship), got much playing time. At the same time, Bernardo continued to play on the Napoli reserve squad with little chance of breaking into the first team’s starting lineup.
Bernardo moved to Naples at age 16 after playing for the NY/NJ MetroStars’ Youth Academy. An attacking midfielder with wonderful dribbling skills and speed, Bernardo, 20, has played for the US Under-17 and U-20 sides. This past fall, Bernardo, 19, was offered a chance to go on loan to an Italian fourth division team, but declined and decided to move back to the US.
USSoccerPlayers.com caught up with Bernardo to discuss his career in Italy, his future plans to play in this country (he recently had a trial with the Kansas City Wizards) and continued commitment to someday play for the US National Team.
It was an honorable experience that I will take with me for the rest of my career. Moving to a different country at 16 and living on my own for most of the time made me mature -- on and off the field. I do feel that I became a better player and person due to living in Italy and playing for a team like Napoli.
Are you a fan of Serie A?
Yes, I am a huge fan of Serie A. I feel that it is very different when compared to other leagues. I personally believe that they play soccer (in Italy) in a way that can only be compared with the Spanish league.
What made you want to return to the United States?
I felt that being in Italy for three years and developing as a player for one of the top teams in Europe made me better. At my age I think, right now, the most important thing is to play first-team soccer as much as possible. MLS is a league that is growing and I do think that I can find good playing time here. That's what led me to coming back to the US.
Speaking of Major League Soccer, what are your thoughts regarding the league?
I think MLS has grown tremendously in the past five years. It’s a league that many clubs in Europe are starting to look into for talent. Yes, I wouldn't mind playing for an MLS team.
The New York Red Bulls have a new arena and so does the expansion Philadelphia Union. What do you think of both these teams?
Growing up playing for New York was important for me and I have a great respect for the club. I do not know much about Philadelphia, but it seems like they have the right people working on making it one of the top clubs in MLS.
You had a trial earlier this month with the Kansas City Wizards. What was that like?
Recently, I was invited to go on trial for three days. I really didn't know what to expect because I've never played in a professional environment back home in the United States. The game is really different. It's faster and more physical compared to what I'm used to with Napoli and Italian soccer in general. It was definitely a great experience and I felt that I adapted very well. I feel that at my age, my potential is an important thing for clubs to consider. I had fun in Kansas and I wouldn't mind returning.
You and Giuseppe Rossi have a lot in common, mostly because you're both Italian-Americans from New Jersey. Did Rossi do the right thing when he decided to play for Italy over the US?
Yes. If he truly feels that he is Italian, then he did the right thing.
You've played on several US youth teams. Would you rather play for the US or Italy at the World Cup someday?
Like I’ve said in the past, I’d rather play for the US, but I do have duel citizenship (with Italy). My goal is to play for the US in a World Cup.
You have yet to sign with any team. What have you been doing these cold winter months to stay fit?
I have been training intensely with a personal trainer. I also play some competitive games with some men and college players.
Where do you hope to be 10 years from now?
In 10 years I just hope to still be playing the game that I love and being healthy. I take things day by day.
Clemente Lisi is the author of “A History of the World Cup: 1930-2006.” Contact him at: CAL4477@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter at: twitter.com/ClementeLisi
