Federico Bernardeschi urges Uefa not to ban Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

Juventus winger Federico Bernardeschi thinks Uefa would be “crazy” to ban Cristiano Ronaldo from the Champions League.

Ronaldo has been charged with improper conduct for his controversial ‘cojones’ goal celebration in Juve’s 3-0 win over Atlético Madrid last week.

The Portuguese forward could be suspended for one or both legs of his side’s upcoming quarter-final tie with Ajax but after Atlético boss Diego Simeone escaped with a fine for the same offence earlier this month, Bernardeschi has urged European football’s governing body to consider the matter carefully.

“It’s something that I don’t think needs looking at, it (a suspension) would be crazy,” the Italian international told reporters on Tuesday.

“I think it’ll end there, it was a celebration, a gesture. I see him calm and relaxed, as we all are. I’m sure everything will be fine.”

Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Atleti meant Massimiliano Allegri’s side came from 2-0 down from the first leg, and Bernardeschi says playing alongside the 33-year-old has been a valuable learning experience for him this season.

“We wrote a piece of history,” said the 25-year-old.

“Cristiano is an absolute champion. He gives us so much, he has the charisma of the champion. Staying by his side every day allows you to learn many things.”

Bernardeschi is currently away on international duty with Italy and ahead of the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Finland and Liechtenstein, he says the Azzurri are moving in the right direction under Roberto Mancini.

“Italy has shown great progress in the Nations League,” he continued

“We still lack a bit of experience due to our young age, but we’re on the right track to approach the Europeans in the best possible way.

“I hope to become one of the symbols of this nation team as (Paolo) Rossi and (Roberto) Baggio have been in the past.”