Toronto FC coach Bradley benches star Bernardeschi

Toronto FC's disappointing season took another turn for the worse with news that Italian star Federico Bernardeschi has been benched.

Head coach Bob Bradley told reporters Friday that he made a coach's decision to leave Bernardeschi out of Toronto FC's squad for Saturday's clash against D.C. United at BMO Field, according to The Canadian Press.

TFC went on to claim a 2-1 win on Saturday night without Bernardeschi.

The American coach said that Bernardeschi's future at the club isn't in doubt and that he expects the 29-year-old to return to the fold next week. He also denied that it was a disciplinary decision, adding that Bernardeschi's exclusion was based on internal discussions.

The decision to omit Bernardeschi comes less than a week after the former Juventus player sounded off on Bradley's tactics following TFC's loss to Austin FC.

Bernardeschi, who has three goals and three assists this season, suggested the Major League Soccer side's struggles stemmed from a lack of tactics, adding: "We play long pass. We don't have any idea to play."

Bradley later characterized the comments from his disgruntled winger as "out of line" and said the matter was addressed with the rest of the team.

Despite the arrival of Bernardeschi - and compatriot Lorenzo Insigne - midway through last year, Toronto FC have struggled on the pitch.

After failing to make the 2022 MLS playoffs, TFC have struggled mightily to kickstart their current campaign. Saturday's win was only the team's third of the season through 15 games.