Italian stars Insigne, Bernardeschi projected to make MLS debut against Charlotte FC

Toronto FC's Italian era kicks off for real Saturday with Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi projected to make their MLS debut, joining compatriot Domenico Criscito who already has three TFC appearances under his belt, as struggling Toronto hosts expansion Charlotte FC.

"Both are excited [to play]," head coach Bob Bradley said. "And everybody's also excited to get them going. [With only] a couple days of training, we'll have to figure out exactly what it means in terms of minutes, things like that, but both of them are ready to go."

Added captain Michael Bradley, Bob's son: "It's been great in every way. They have come in and just established right away how excited they are to be here, what good people they are, first and foremost. What good professionals they are. How serious they are and how motivated they are about being here And of course, when training starts you can see the quality."

With the addition of Canadian midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye, via trade from Colorado earlier this month, Bob Bradley likely has his starting midfield and attack set.

Michael Bradley anchors a three-man midfield that features Kaye and fellow Canadian Jonathan Osorio. Insigne and Bernardeschi are expected to patrol the left and right flanks, respectively, up front with Spanish forward Jesus Jimenez leading the attack.

The defence remains in need of help, given it ranks 26th in the league in conceding 1.86 goals a game on average. Toronto added experience on Friday in the form of Canadian international defender Doneil Henry, waived earlier this month by Los Angeles FC.

The 29-year-old from Brampton, Ont., who signed through the rest of the season, came up through the TFC academy and became the first homegrown player to sign with the