[2] He joined the diplomatic service of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in 2003, and was stationed in Bern and Addis Ababa.

[5][1] De Bernardi was the first representative of the Canton of Ticino within the Federal Government in 17 years, since Flavio Cotti's retirement.

[3] In August 2018, he announced his resignation from the post for April 2019, citing family reasons, but continues working within the Federal Chancellery in a different capacity.

[6] Following his successor Viktor Rossi's election to the office of Chancellor, the Federal Council recalled him to his post ad interim while searching for a new Vice-Chancellor.

[7] In July 2024, Rachel Salzmann was succeed De Bernardi as Vice-Chancellor overseeing the Federal Council sector.