Leonardo Bonucci

[Socrates 8526]

 

Bonucci to renew Juve contract?

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87064/bonucci-renew-juve-contract

Jul 9, 2016

Juventus will discuss a contract renewal with Leonardo Bonucci, as player and club seem set to ignore Manchester City’s €60m offer.

Pep Guardiola’s admiration for the centre-back is no secret and his profile grew considerably with his performances at Euro 2016.

Manchester City are believed to be offering up to €60m to take Bonucci to the Premier League.

However, according to today’s edition of Tuttosport, Juventus and the defender are not interested in this transfer.

Instead, they will meet up over the next couple of weeks to discuss a contract renewal with improved wages.

Naturally, these would not even approach the €8m per year available at Manchester City, as Juventus have a salary cap of €4.5m.

The 29-year-old's most recent extension was in 2015 and he is under contract with Juve until June 2020.

[Socrates 8526]

 

RUMOURS: Bonucci to snub Man City for Juventus stay

 

Pep Guardiola's side are willing to spend big to land the Italy international this summer

but the defender is not interested in a move and wants to remain in Turin.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/11562/transfer-talk/2016/07/09/25464092/-?

Jul 9, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci is set to snub interest from Manchester City and will sign a contract renewal with Juventus, according to Tuttosport.

Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the Italy international and the Premier League side are willing to offer €60 million for the centre-back.

However, neither Bonucci nor the club are interested and instead will sit down and discuss a contract renewal, with improved wages.

[Socrates 8526]

 

Sky: Bonucci off the market

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87107/sky-bonucci-market

Jul 10, 2016

Juventus reportedly have no intention of discussing Leonardo Bonucci with Manchester City, even for €60m.

According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the centre-back is quite simply not for sale at any price.

The defender is a leader on and off the field for Juve and Italy, as proved at Euro 2016.

Bonucci’s agent will speak to Manchester City in order to see what the proposal on offer is, but Juventus do not want to sell.

Sky Sport Italia also dug up an old interview in which Bonucci expressed his admiration for the Premier League and the fact he supports Manchester United.

On the other hand, La Gazzetta dello Sport warn that Juventus are genuinely considering a sale if Pep Guardiola really is prepared to pay €60m.

[Socrates 8526]

 

Barcelona Declined Juventus Defender Offer

 

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/07/barcelona-declined-juventus-defender-offer/?

Jul 11, 2016

Although current speculation that he could move to Manchester City, Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci was recently rejected by Barcelona.

The Italian international’s agent travelled to England recently to discuss terms with Manchester City, however it has now been revealed that Juventus were rebuffed by Barcelona in their attempts to send him to Spain.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Bianconeri requested an offer of more than the current price tag of €60 million linked with City to take the 29-year-old off their hands, however the Blaugrana rejected and instead focused on bringing in French international Samuel Umtiti.

Bonnuci’s qualities were reportedly nice reading for the Spanish giants, but they were not willing to spend that much money on him when they had already signed a new defender.

The former Inter and Bari man therefore remains a big target for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, with Bonucci’s future expected to be outlined over the coming days.

[Socrates 8526]

 

City offer tempts Juve's Bonucci

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87159/city-offer-tempts-juves-bonucci

Jul 11, 2016

Manchester City's offer for Leonardo Bonucci is causing Juventus problems, as they may be forced to raise the player's salary.

The Citizens have joined Antonio Conte's Chelsea in making a bid for the 29-year-old defender, in spite of insistent reports suggesting the Old Lady will never sell him.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester City are now pressing as hard as they can on the player himself. Their projected salary of €8m per season for five years would see the player more than double his current €3.7m wages, and the offer is apparently tempting him.

Juventus can solve the problem by renewing Bonucci's contract and raising his salary in the process. They are reluctant to make the move, however, as that may open the floodgates for various other Bianconeri to demand a raise.

[Socrates 8526]

 

Man City won't meet Juventus' valuation for Bonucci - source

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2911326/man-city-not-prepared

-to-meet-juventus-valuation-for-leonardo-bonucci-source

Jul 11, 2016

Juventus are demanding too much money for Manchester City target Leonardo Bonucci, a source has told ESPN FC.

Reports in Italy claim that City are set to make an offer of £51 million for the defender. However, a source has told ESPN FC that the Premier League club are unwilling to pay such a huge fee for a 29-year-old.

It was reported that City have already had a £38m bid rejected by the Italian side, but a source has told ESPN FC that the club have not made any offer.

A new defender is high on Pep Guardiola's list of priorities this summer and the former Bayern Munich boss described Bonucci as "one of my favourite ever players" following a Champions League tie against Juventus in February.

Leonardo Bonucci impressed for Italy at Euro 2016.

Everton centre-back John Stones is also a top target for Guardiola this summer, with City having missed out on Athletic Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte after he opted to sign a new deal with the La Liga club.

Bonucci has also been linked with a move to Chelsea and a chance to be reunited with new boss Antonio Conte, who he worked with at Juventus and with Italy.

He is currently on a break following Euro 2016 and has so far refused to comment on his future.

[Socrates 8526]

 

Manchester City End Chase For Juventus Defender

 

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/07/manchester-city-end-chase-for-juventus-defender/?

Jul 14, 2016

After turning their attention to other players in England, Manchester City appear to have given up on signing Juventus man Leonardo Bonucci.

The Italian defender had been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium recently after his agent flew to England, and Pep Guardiola and City were prepared to splash the cash on the 29-year-old with a seemingly blank cheque at their disposal.

New reports from The Guardian suggest, however, that they are now interested in acquiring the services of Everton defender John Stones, considered to be one of the most promising defenders in the Premier League, for €40 million.

That value is the minimum amount put forward by Stones’ current employers, and is €20m less than what the Citizens had been prepared to pay for Bonucci, not including his €8m-per-season four-year contract.

As a response to their attempts to secure the Bianconeri man’s signature, Juventus immediately startedpreparing a new contract for one of their most key men.

With new interests in fellow English squads, it seems that Manchester City have accepted the Serie A champions’ stubbornness.

[Socrates 8526]

 

Juve: Bonucci out, Pjaca in?

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87582/juve-bonucci-out-pjaca

Jul 19, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci looks likely to move out to Manchester City at the same time as Dinamo Zagreb's Marko Pjaca is almost ready for Juventus.

 

The defender is one of the staples of the famous BBC back-line, and Euro 2016 did nothing but magnetise the attention of other clubs around him.

 

After an initial assault by Chelsea, it's Manchester City's turn to make a very serious move for the player. Their offer amounts to a €60m transfer, along with a five-year contract worth €8m per season for the player.

 

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, the Old Lady was bombarded with calls by the Citizens yesterday as they pressed to close the deal. They may be on the verge of making it, especially as there are rumours that Bonucci agreed to a move.

 

The Rosea reports that the player, currently on holiday in the island of Formentera, organised a small goodbye drinks, signalling his decision to depart.

 

The Bianconeri have already signed Medhi Benatia, who will presumably replace the Italian to form a new back-line with the same 'BBC' acronym.

 

At the same time as Bonucci seems increasingly likely to leave, it appears the deal is almost complete for the signing of Pjaca. The Croatian has been offered a five-year contract at €2m per season, while his club will be paid approximately €22m plus another €2m in bonuses.

 

Reports that the deal is complete are expected as early as today, with the transfer being made official on Thursday.

[Socrates 8526]

 

Sky: Bonucci safe, Pogba maybe

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87616/sky-bonucci-safe-pogba-maybe

 

 

Jul 19, 2016

 

Sky Sport Italia insist Leonardo Bonucci is off the market, but Juventus face a tug-of-war with agent Mino Raiola for Paul Pogba to Manchester United.

 

This morning La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed a special dinner meant Bonucci was going to leave Juventus for Manchester City.

 

However, Sky Sport Italia pundit Gianluca Di Marzio and someone who was also at the dinner in question assure it was simply a friendly get-together.

 

Bonucci is not for sale at any price, though he will most likely see his contract improved.

 

The real problem at Juventus is with Pogba, or rather specifically with his agent Raiola.

 

Sky have noted before that it’s Raiola who wants to push for a transfer to Manchester United at over €120m, with a huge bonus for himself as part of the deal.

 

Juve will only sell Pogba if the player himself requests a transfer and so far that hasn’t happened.

 

The situation has been dragging on for three weeks, though should be resolved once Pogba returns from his summer vacation.

 

[Socrates 8526]

 

Man Utd join Bonucci race

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87706/man-utd-join-bonucci-race

 

 

Jul 21, 2016

 

Manchester United have reportedly joined the race for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, already sought after by Chelsea and Manchester City.

 

The 29-year-old's outstanding performances at Euro 2016 have turned him into one of the summer's hot transfer targets, with his former Coach Antonio Conte particularly keen on bringing him to the Blues.

 

Another Premier League giant is now in the fray for Bonucci, as ESPN report of an interest by Manchester United.

 

Apparently the Red Devils will look to sign the defender after the deal for Paul Pogba is completed, but there are still many question marks surrounding the issue.

 

The signing of Pogba is far from a given, especially now that Real Madrid are apparently back in for the player, and there are no details on what kind of offer United will make for Bonucci. The defender is currently valued at approximately €60m.

[Socrates 8526]

 

RUMOURS: Manchester United want Bonucci

 

The Red Devils already appear set to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus, but are

also hoping to lure one of their star centre-backs to the Premier League.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/14222/transfer-talk/2016/07/25/25929012/-?

 

 

Jul 25, 2016

 

Manchester United are interested in signing Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, according to Manchester Evening News.

The Red Devils are confident of landing the signing of Paul Pogba from the Serie A champions, and, despite already having signed centre-back Eric Bailly this summer, are hoping to boost their defensive options.

The 29-year-old is said to top Jose Mourinho's targets when it comes to defenders, while Manchester City have also shown an interest in him.

With Pogba's departure seeming imminent, the Bianconeri are unlikely to want to sell another star player, especially as he has another four years left on his contract.

Medhi Benatia's arrival from Bayern Munich, however, could see Juve persuaded to sell should the right price be offered.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Manchester United Transfer News: Leonardo Bonucci

Snub Amid City, Chelsea Talk

 

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2654084-manchester-united-

transfer-news-leonardo-bonucci-snub-amid-city-chelsea-talk?

 

 

Jul 26, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci is reportedly set to turn down a chance to play in the Premier League in favour of a new deal with Juventus. 

According to Tuttosport (h/t Calciomercato), the defender is a target for both Manchester United and Manchester City as well as Chelsea, but Bonucci will put pen to paper on an improved €4.5 million a year contract to keep him in Turin.

 

Where will Bonucci be next season?

• Juventus

  69.8%

   

• United

  8.5%

   

• City

  10.5%

   

• Chelsea

  11.3%

   
• Total votes: 1,263

 

Per Samuel Luckhurst for the Mirror, Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is hoping to sign a second centre-back this summer following the capture of Eric Bailly, with the Italian identified as the man with the requisite skills and experience to improve the team.

He is indeed an exceptional defender, with both Juventus and Italy reaping the rewards of playing him alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli.

The 29-year-old is strong in the air and reads the game very well, often removing danger before it begins, and technically excellent.

Bonucci excels at carrying the ball out from the back, and his distribution is terrific. As OptaPaolo revealed, his ability to pick out team-mates with long balls is almost unrivaled:

 

 

 

 Follow

WhoScored.com 

 

✔@WhoScored

Leonardo Bonucci: Only two outfielders have completed more long passes in the last four Serie A seasons than Bonucci (852)

3:30 PM - 19 Jul 2016

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BT Sport's James Horncastle lavished praise on him during UEFA Euro 2016 following a superb example of his passing range:

 

 

 

 Follow

James Horncastle 

 

✔@JamesHorncastle

Who needs Pirlo when you’ve got Bonucci

9:33 PM - 13 Jun 2016

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13 Jun

Ken Early @kenearlys

@JamesHorncastle what a ridiculous ball. does he do that kind of thing on a regular basis?

 

 Follow

James Horncastle 

 

✔@JamesHorncastle

@kenearlys Yep. Teams thinking you could stop Juventus by man-marking Pirlo really helped him.

10:05 PM - 13 Jun 2016

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While both Bailly and Chris Smalling should be able to form a solid partnership, and Daley Blind fared remarkably well at centre-back last year, Bonucci would be an outstanding buy for United or their rivals—he's arguably better than any of the central defenders currently at the three clubs.

Juve have Medhi Benatia and Daniele Rugani waiting in the wings and so could cope with his loss, but given Barzagli is 35 and Chiellini soon to be 32, Bonucci is perhaps the most valuable of their three first-choice centre-backs.

Further, as GianlucaDiMarzio's David Amoyal noted, United's concurrent pursuit of Paul Pogba will make the Bianconeri even more reluctant to part with one of their top stars:

 

 

 

 Follow

David Amoyal @DavidAmoyal

As we reported multiple times Bonucci is off the market especially now with the Pogba talkshttps://twitter.com/nashabfm/status/757610219090407424 …

6:16 PM - 25 Jul 2016

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The Old Lady have already lost Alvaro Morata this summer and could well lose Pogba—it seems highly unlikely they'll part with another of their most important players.

Equally, securing his long-term future at the club and rewarding his form with a new deal will prove to be some excellent business for the Italian champions.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Report: Leonardo Bonucci to stay at Juventus

 

 

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/chelsea/transfer-talk/

news/report-bonucci-to-stay-at-juventus_277676.html

 

 

Jul 28, 2016

 

Manchester City and Chelsea have reportedly been forced to drop their interest in Leonardo Bonucci after accepting that Juventus would not be selling the Italian international this summer.

Bonucci, 29, impressed for Italy at Euro 2016 - a tournament that he entered off the back of another impressive campaign for Juventus, which brought the Serie A crown and Coppa Italia.

It is understood that Man City and Chelsea both wanted to sign the centre-back in this transfer window, but according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Bonucci wants to remain with the Old Lady, who will not sell for any price.

Bonucci, who is an Italian international of 62 caps, joined Juventus from Bari in 2010 and has won five Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia crowns since making the move to Turin.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci turns down City

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/88891/bonucci-turns-down-city?

 

 

Aug 7, 2016

 

It is reported that Leonardo Bonucci has turned down the chance to join Manchester City from Juventus.

 

The 29-year-old has been with the Bianconeri since 2010, forming part of a formidable back three alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini for both club and country.

 

His performances have caught the eye of new City boss Pep Guardiola, who has been given a remit of winning the Champions League during his tenure at Etihad Stadium.

 

However, Gazzetta dello Sport say that Bonucci has rejected the opportunity of doubling what he currently earns in Turin, choosing instead to remain with Max Allegri’s team as they try to conquer Europe themselves.

 

The Italian sports daily also claim that Juve will now reward their centre-back’s loyalty by offering him a new improved contract at the club. 

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

RUMOURS: Bonucci rejects offer to double his wages at Manchester City

 

The centre-back was offered twice his current earnings to leave Juve but turned down

the money in favour of attempting to win the Champions League with the Italians.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/14222/transfer-talk/2016/08/07/26290622/-?

 

 

Aug 7, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci was offered double his wage to join Manchester City but rejected the move as he wants to win the Champions League with Juventus, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

City saw an opening bid of £38 million rejected by the Bianconeri during Euro 2016 and returned with an improved offer of £50m, but a wage of over £130,000 a week could not tempt the centre-back.

Bonucci, who has been at Juventus for six seasons, is determined to win the Champions League with the club having failed in the final against Barcelona in 2014-15.

Juventus will now reward the 29-year-old with improved terms as they look to tie Bonucci down to a longer contract.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Juventus prepare Bonucci renewal

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/88995/juventus-prepare-bonucci-renewal?

 

 

Aug 9, 2016

 

Juventus are reportedly preparing a renewal for Leonardo Bonucci, after he rejected Manchester City.

 

The English club were keen to bring the 29-year-old to the Premier League, as manager Pep Guardiola is a long-term admirer of his ball-playing style.

 

However, it emerged over the weekend that the centre-back had rejected the Citizens, who have spent close to €60m on Everton’s John Stones instead.

 

Now Calciomercato is reporting that the Bianconeri are keen to adjust Bonucci’s current deal, which sees him earn €3.5m per season.

 

It’s thought City were offering a salary of €8.5m per season, and while the Old Lady will not match that, the club is willing to offer €4.5m.

 

In addition, certain team results would see the wage rise to €5m per annum, plus separate bonuses linked to Champions League achievements.

 

Bonucci’s entourage is thought to be asking for €5m plus fixed bonuses, but it’s not thought there will be problems in agreeing an extension.

 

The defender is happy to stay in Turin, as shown by his rejection of English advances, and Juventus are keen to keep him.

[Socrates 8526]

 

Report: Juventus open contract

renewal talks with Leonardo Bonucci

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/8/18/12544574/report-

juventus-open-contract-renewal-talks-with-leonardo-bonucci

 

 

Aug 18, 2016

 

We have seen Leonardo Bonucci grow up right in front of our eyes. He’s gone from the defender with plenty of potential to a defender who can be considered amongst the best in the business. That’s a pretty good thing to have happen for somebody Beppe Marotta and Co. signed from Bari for €15.5 million in 2010.

Decent chunk of change then. Looks like a steal now.

According to Sky Sport Italia’s herd of football reporters, Juventus have no plans of ending what has already been a pretty darn good run for both the club and Bonucci, whose current contract runs until 2020.

 

 Follow

Fabrizio Romano 

 

✔@FabrizioRomano

#Juventus oggi primo approccio anche per il rinnovo di Bonucci con il suo agente @SkySport #SkyCalciomercato

11:23 PM - 18 Aug 2016

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Now is the part of the equation where one thinks, “Give me the English version, jerk.”

Demand and you shall receive.

 

 Follow

Juvefc.com @juvefcdotcom

Juve met with Alessandro Lucci who represents Bonucci as well as Cuadrado. Juve discussed a renewal of Leo's contract [Sky]

11:28 PM - 18 Aug 2016

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Yes, good. Very, very good.

Whatever Bonucci wants, Bonucci should get. He’s that important, that crucial to this current Juventus team. He’s one of the best defenders in the world, and with Juventus’ other two starting center backs, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, getting older and not exactly with the best health records the last couple of years, making sure Bonucci sticks around should be the management’s top priorities.

Not that Bonucci had many plans of leaving any time soon, though. He reportedly had no interest in the handful of approaches Manchester City and Chelsea made to acquire him this summer. And with his continued standout performances, it’s not like the other financial big boys in European soccer are going to stand pat and not try to tempt Bonucci with a fat pay day during the prime of his career.

So, yes to a Bonucci contract extension. Yes to a raise for Bonucci with said contract extension. And yes to Bonucci remaining a Juventus player for as long as possible. I like Leonardo Bonucci. He can stay.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Leonardo Bonucci to miss Italy's

World Cup qualifier against Israel

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italy/story/2942522/leonardo-bonucci-

to-miss-italys-world-cup-qualifier-against-israel

 

 

Sep 2, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci will miss Italy's opening World Cup qualifier against Israel on Monday as he continues to monitor the progress of his son Matteo, who required emergency surgery in July.

Bonucci, 29, missed the Juventus' Serie A clash with Lazio last weekend and Italy's friendly defeat to France on Wednesday due to complications in his two-year-old son's recovery from an operation he underwent at the end of July.

He asked for his and his family's privacy to be respected after confirming the operation took place, and Italy coach Giampiero Ventura says he has spoken with the defender and learnt that he will not be available for selection on Monday.

"I've spoken to him and he won't be coming," Ventura said at a news conference following Italy's 3-1 defeat to France on Thursday. "Thank heavens it seems like the situation is improving. Obviously he's not been able to train and he said he would not be able to help.

"Faced with a personal situation like this, all I can do is wish him all the best."

Bonucci tweeted a picture of him following Italy's defeat to France on television on Thursday night.

 

 

View image on Twitter

 

 Follow

Leonardo Bonucci 

 

✔@bonucci_leo19

Forza ragazzi!!! Abbiamo ancora un tempo per vincere!!!  #AVANTIITALIA #LB19 #… http://ift.tt/2bMylgm 

10:10 PM - 1 Sep 2016

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Meanwhile, Graziano Pelle staked his claim for a starting berth in Israel with Italy's only goal of the night -- his fourth in his last seven appearances for his country -- insisting more is to come since he has a score to settle with Italy's fans after letting them down with a penalty miss in the Euro 2016 quarterfinal defeat to Germany.

"I left the Italian fans in tears and I have a great desire to pay them back," said the former Southampton forward, who moved to Chinese club Shandong Luneng this summer. "This goal is a new beginning because I want to remain in the national team for a long time."

Pelle has scored three goals in his first six games in the Chinese Super League, including a brace last time out against Teda.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci to miss Israel-Italy

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90821/bonucci-miss-israel-italy

 

 

Sep 2, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci will not take part in Italy’s opening World Cup qualifier against Israel on Monday evening.

 

Coach Giampiero Ventura confirmed the news in this evening’s Press conference.

 

“I heard from him and he won’t be coming, although thank heavens it seems as if the situation is improving,” said Ventura.

 

“Faced with a personal situation like this we can only wish him the best.”

 

The Juventus defender already missed a Serie A match against Lazio last weekend and tonight’s 3-1 Italy friendly defeat to France.

 

Bonucci’s two-year-old son Matteo had emergency surgery on July 31 and his condition worsened last week.

 

He has therefore been given time off to spend with his family.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci returns to Italy squad

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90865/bonucci-returns-italy-squad

 

 

Sep 2, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci has returned to the Italy squad, and will be available for the World Cup qualifier in Israel.

 

The Juventus defender’s two-year-old son, Matteo, was unwell after surgery so the centre-back was given time off to spend with his family.

 

After being absent for the friendly against France last night, it was initially thought that he would also miss the World Cup qualifier against Israel on Monday, Giampiero Ventura’s first competitive match as CT.

 

However, the FIGC has tonight announced that Bonucci has returned the squad and is “available for the match with Israel”.

 

Bonucci “will join the team tomorrow and take part in the training session scheduled for the afternoon”.

 

It’s good news for the Azzurri, as Daniele De Rossi had to pull out of the squad earlier today with a  calf injury.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

New Bonucci and Dybala deals

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90919/new-bonucci-and-dybala-deals

 

 

Sep 4, 2016

 

Juventus are set to offer Leonardo Bonucci and Paulo Dybala lucrative new contracts to fight off Manchester City and Barcelona.

 

According to Tuttosport, the club is eager to lock down its talents after summer interest from abroad.

 

Defender Bonucci was praised by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who called him one of his favourite players in the world.

 

Now he’ll be rewarded with a deal to June 2021 worth around €5m per year plus bonuses.

 

As for Dybala, he currently earns just €3m per season and the plan was to raise it to €4.5m after his stunning first season in Turin.

 

However, Gonzalo Higuain’s arrival and reported €7.5m per year salary means that won’t be enough.

 

Targeted by Barcelona and Real Madrid, Dybala will probably double his current wages with a contract renewal.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci, Verratti to start Israel vs. Italy

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/90948/verratti-start-israel-vs-italy

 

 

Sep 4, 2016

 

Marco Verratti, Leonardo Bonucci and Federico Bernardeschi are expected to step in for Italy against Israel tomorrow.

 

The opening 2018 World Cup qualifier is in Haifa on Monday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

 

It will be Coach Giampiero Ventura’s first competitive match, having made his debut with a 3-1 friendly defeat to France on Thursday evening.

 

At least three changes are expected from the line-up that started that encounter at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari.

 

Bonucci is available again after taking time out to look after his infant son during a health crisis.

 

As Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Belotti have been ruled out by injury, Verratti seems likely to step in to the midfield in a deep-lying playmaker role.

 

Riccardo Montolivo had been tipped to take this position, but in an emergency situation it’s reported the Paris Saint-Germain man will get the nod.

 

A big surprise is the introduction of Bernardeschi in a more central role with Mattia De Sciglio getting the left wing, despite Luca Antonelli being tested in training.

 

Eder and Graziano Pellé remain the front two, especially after Belotti’s muscular injury.

 

Italy (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Candreva, Parolo, Verratti, Bernardeschi, De Sciglio; Eder, Pellé

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci hails Italy team spirit

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91013/bonucci-hails-italy-team-spirit

 

Sep 5, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci praised the team spirit of 10-man Italy as they fought to a 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory in Israel.

 

Giorgio Chiellini was sent off only 54 minutes in, but the Azzurri held out and added a third goal with substitute Ciro Immobile.

 

“If you fight as a Team, if you play as a Team, if you defend as a Team, if you celebrate as a Team… then you win as a TEAM,” wrote Bonucci on Instagram.

 

“Tonight we proved that. Well done guys.”

 

The Juventus defender had missed the 3-1 friendly defeat to France and was expected to be ruled out of this match too after taking time out to nurse his infant son through an illness.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Bonucci-Verratti to become essential?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/91020/bonucci-verratti-become-essential

 

Sep 5, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci and Marco Verratti could become the Azzurri's most important tactical combo after Israel-Italy.

 

The 3-1 victory in yesterday evening's World Cup qualifier started showing some of Giampiero Ventura's tactical ideas emerging over the groundwork left by Antonio Conte.

 

One of the most distinguishing traits was the alternation between central defender Bonucci and midfielder Verratti in the process of building play.

 

Conscious of the Paris Saint-Germain player's creative skills, Israel started by pressing him heavily from the very outset.

 

Italy's largely successful response was to bring up Bonucci as an auxiliary playmaker – a role he already played in Euro 2016, but with no midfield playmaker to alternate with.

 

The tactical interchange between the two was so crucial that the media are speculating it will become the back-bone of Italy's game leading up to Russia 2018.

 

Assuming the two players reach the tournament in good condition, they will provide La Nazionale with a remarkably strong playmaking foundation.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

Juventus to offer Bonucci bumper new contract

 

The Italian champions are set to offer the defender the chance to extend his stay

in Turin until 2021 on improved terms that will earn him €5 million per annum.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/09/07/27270222/-?

 

Sep 7, 2016

 

Juventus are confident of persuading Leonardo Bonucci to sign a contract extension that will make the defender one of the best-paid players at the club.

 

The Italy international, whose current deal expires in 2020, was courted by Manchester City during the summer transfer window. New manager Pep Guardiola having made the 29-year-old his primary defensive target, hoping to lure him with a five-year contract worth a whopping €8 million per annum.

 

 

However, although flattered by City's interest, the centre-back never seriously entertained the idea of leaving Turin, where he has won five Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia trophies since joining from Bari in 2010.

 

As a result, Juventus, who were also unwilling to listen to offers for one of their most important players, now want to reward Bonucci for his loyalty by extending his contract until 2021 and increasing his annual wage to €5m, plus bonuses.

 

Bianconeri CEO Beppe Marotta has already held provisional talks with the defender's agent, Alessandro Lucci, with whom the Italian champions have an excellent working relationship.

 

It was Lucci who negotiated Juan Cuadrado's summer return to Turin from Chelsea and Juve are thus optimistic that Bonucci's renewal will prove little more than a formality.