TFC Notebook: Insigne and Criscito join club for training

On Friday's BMO training ground, there were Toronto FC fans celebrating Canada Day with an Italian twist.

This year's TFC-signed Serie A Italian reinforcements, Winger Lorenzo Insigne and left-back Domenico Criscito were on the training ground. Criscito, 35, went out into the field and trained for the first time with his new teammate, and Incine, 31, trained in the gym.

"Lorenzo is still working internally to ensure a correct return (injury) to play from the calf," said TFC coach Bob Bradley. "It's every day. When a player comes in the middle of the year, it's important to make sure that the returns are handled really well, especially if they have minor injuries, so we stand on top of that.

Former Naples and Italian captains have injured their calf-like lower leg muscles, and wembley {41 last month. } Withdrew from Finalishima at the stadium.

Two players came out and posed for the photo before training. There were many fans in the practice area as well. One group tied the Genoese flag to a nearby fence. Criscito played Genoa in Zenit St. Petersburg from 2011 to 2022. TFC will host the Seattle Sounders (7W 7L 2D) at BMO Field on Saturday night, while Incine and Criscito will make their TFC debut on July 9 when the Reds host the San Jose Earthquakes.

"It's good to have Mimo (Criscito) in the field," Bradley said. "The day before the match isn't a fierce training session, but it's great because it's the beginning of work with him."

Criscito's main position is left back, but he can also play centre-backs and wingbacks. increase. No matter where he plays, the Reds, who gave up 32 goals in 17 games this season, can certainly get his help.

"He gives us great versatility," Bradley said. "He has not only experience in the national team, but also played outside Italy when he was in Zenit, so when you come to a new league, a new country, his understanding of those challenges is I think (good). He treats himself well, his English is pretty good, and I think he is a good example for many players. "

International Trade TFC has been working to get former Toronto winger Ritchie Laria back from Nottingham Forest on a loan deal, but TSN is also interested in clubs in the Belgian, Dutch and British championships. Reported at the Canadian International Defender. Laria moved to Forest this season, but he didn't play much. Nottingham was promoted to the Premier League at the end of the 2021-22 season.

"We are actively looking at ways to improve our team in the summer," Bradley said, adding that there may be more international moves. I did.

TFC keeper Alex Bono said the experience between Insigne and Criscito and the rest of the team was positive during the limited time in Toronto.

"Obviously it takes time to adjust them to some extent in the group, but both seem to be good people," Bono said. "We know they are really excited and can tell for all of us that they are in perfect health and can't wait to help us.

"We grew up watching the game, so we've seen them, so we know what they're like as players," Bono added. "(But) you really want to know who the guy behind the jersey is. But they seem like good guys. They quickly integrated and the culture we started in the locker room. I hope I can grow. "

ITALIANO A NO GO FOR BONO

Chrissito speaks English, but Incine. Is reported to speak very little. However, TFC midfielder Michael Bradley is said to be very fluent in Italian (after playing for three seasons in Serie A club Chievo and Rome), and Bob Bradley has some degree. Can speak a language. Carlos Salcedo is reportedly able to speak Italian with the TFC staff. Bono from Syracuse, New York, some of Italian descent, admits he doesn't understand the language.

"American," Bono said with a laugh when asked if he spoke the language. "No one knows the relatives there yet (Italy). (Pasta) The sauce recipe was inherited, but otherwise I didn't really understand the culture. There is no language, just the recipe."

Again, as Bob Bradley said last week, soccer is a universal language, and the two Italians are assimilated with the team. Should be fine.

POZ Causes of Opposition Concerns

TFC attacks midfielder Alejandro Pozuero in a 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew on Wednesday. I have set 6 chances for my teammates. Jess Jimenez scored the only goal in Toronto. This was the seventh time Pozuero had set more than 6 shots in a match. Since Pozuero joined MLS in 2019, other Toronto players have only one such game.

Pozuero, the 2020 MLSM VP, really got his game this season after experiencing injuries and personal troubles last year. The natives of Seville have 4 goals and 5 assists in 15 games this season, improving their defensive games. All four of his goals were achieved in his last six games.