Italian stars show off skills in MLS debuts as Toronto FC hammers Charlotte FC

Federico Bernardeschi scored one goal and set up another and Lorenzo Insigne collected an assist on their MLS debut as Toronto FC celebrated its new Italian star power with a 4-0 romp over expansion Charlotte FC on Saturday.

Captain Michael Bradley, who had 14 goals in his previous 258 MLS games, scored twice with Jonathan Osorio adding a single. Mark-Anthony Kaye had two assists as TFC led 4-0 at halftime.

Insigne and Bernardeschi came off at the break, with an eye to their fitness and Tuesday's Canadian Championship final in Vancouver. Job done and money well spent as TFC scored four goals in the first half of an MLS game for the first time in franchise history.

And fans loved what they saw in the first half.

While early days, it was as if someone had turned the 'On' switch on the Toronto season. But at 6-12-4, the road back to respectability is a long one. Toronto entered weekend play in 13th spot in the 14-team Eastern Conference, five places and seven points below Charlotte (8-12-2).

Outrageous. Simply outrageous. <a href="https://t.co/FDi3Q74B0g">pic.twitter.com/FDi3Q74B0g</a>

Toronto had not posted a shutout in league play since a scoreless draw in Colorado on Sept. 25, 2021, conceding goals in 29 straight matches.

The home side came out with renewed energy with the backing of a loud crowd. Toronto led 2-0 after 10 minutes on goals by Osorio and Bradley.

Bernardeschi made it 3-0 in the 31st minute with an elegant left-footed strike from outside the penalty box that beat goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina en route to the corner of the goal. The former Juventus winger punched the air in jubilation and was swarmed by his new teammates.

According to Opta, the 28-year-old Bernardeschi is the first player to record a goal and