Leonardo Bonucci

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: ‘Juventus best year?’

http://www.football-italia.net/80435/bonucci-%E2%80%98juventus-best-year%E2%80%99?

Feb 26, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci says this season could be “the best year in the history of Juventus”.

The Bianconeri face a double-header with Inter in their next two fixtures, with the opportunity to maintain their lead at the top of Serie A and reach the Coppa Italia final.

“We have to beat Inter on Sunday,” Bonucci told Sky.

“Our goal is to win and continue our path to the Scudetto. It was our task to explain to the newcomers what it means to wear this shirt.

“At the moment we’ve raised ourselves up, but we definitely can’t give up, we have to continue without any let-up because this could be the best year in the history of Juventus.”

The Old Lady are also still in Champions League contention, but must beat Bayern Munich in Germany, or emerge with a high-scoring draw, after the first leg ended 2-2.

[Socrates 8527]

RUMOURS: Conte wants Bonucci at Chelsea

The Italy manager has agreed a deal to take charge of the Blues from next season and is keen
to bolster their defence given John Terry's impending departure from Stamford Bridge.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/11562/transfer-talk/2016/02/26/20747012/-?

Feb 26, 2016

Antonio Conte wants to bring Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci to Chelsea next season, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The Italy manager is set to be announced as the new Blues boss after agreeing a deal with the Stamford Bridge outfit on Thursday, and sees bolstering their defence as a priority.

John Terry is set to leave the club this summer having not been offered a new contract, leaving just Kurt Zouma and Gary Cahill as the only senior centre-backs at the club.

And Conte sees Bonucci - who he has worked with at Juventus and with the national side - as the perfect man to offset the departure of the former England captain.

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: ‘Juventus are back’

http://www.football-italia.net/80447/bonucci-%E2%80%98juventus-are-back%E2%80%99?

Feb 26, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci says Juventus “are back” in European competition, and believes they can beat Bayern Munich.

The Bianconeri were 2-0 down to the German champions in the first-leg of their Champions League Last 16 meeting, but fought back to claim a 2-2 draw.

“Certainly in recent years Juventus have been reliable in Europe,” Bonucci told Mediaset.

“Last 16, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals of the Europa League and the Champions League final. In Europe, Juve are back.

“Tuesday’s game gives us the chance to do something important, but we have to face Bayern with humility and the utmost respect because they’ve proven to be a difficult team to beat.

“Percentage chance of going through? No, football is a question mark, everything is open. They’re at an advantage, because if they don’t concede a goal they’ll go through, but we believe because we know we’re strong.

“Pep Guardiola’s compliments? I’m honoured, but now the goal is to win in Munich. Personally I always want to improve, because when I stop doing that I’ll hang up my boots.

“The best Bonucci is still to come.”

The Old Lady are back at the top of Serie A after a poor start to the season, but Bonucci knows they can’t let their guard down.

“We just have to think about ourselves without looking at others. We’re top, and if we win every game we’ll be champions. That’s our goal.

“The treble? It’s a thought, the goal is to win but we must not create unnecessary pressure. We have to keep our feet on the ground, now we have to concentrate on the game against Inter, which is there to be won.

“We believe in ourselves in the Champions League, and then we’re in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia where we’re starting with an advantage [3-0 against Inter] but we’re definitely not going to Milan for a procession.”

Many have suggested Bayern’s first goal was offside on Tuesday, while there may have been a foul on Bonucci in a build-up to the second, is the lack of protests a testament to Juve’s attitude?

“No, it’s a natural attitude,” the defender insisted.

“Once the referee has made a decision you're not going to change anything by protesting.”

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: ‘Barzagli an example’

http://www.football-italia.net/80654/bonucci-%E2%80%98barzagli-example%E2%80%99?

Mar 1, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci calls Juventus teammate Andrea Barzagli “an example for everyone”.

The Bianconeri have conceded just 15 goals in 27 Serie A games so far this season, with Bonucci forming a formidable partnership with Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini.

“I’ve played with many champions and I try to steal secrets from everyone,” Bonucci explained to Total Italian Football.

“But the player I like watching on the pitch the most is Barzagli. He’s unbeatable in one-on-ones, he’s impressive in training and he always gives 100 per cent in the match.

“I think Andrea is an example for everyone.”

The Old Lady endured a difficult start to the season, but are undefeated in their last 17 League games, including 16 wins.

“The turning point of the season was the game against Sassuolo [a 1-0 defeat]. There was a strong emotional shock after the defeat and that’s when we went back to being the real Juventus.”

The Italian international was also asked about the impact of the Juve Coach Massimiliano Allegri and his predecessor Antonio Conte on his career.

“Allegri? He’s very intelligent and he knows how to manage the squad," Bonucci explained.

"He’s given us calm and togetherness, and he’s a very good Coach at the tactical level.

“As for Conte, I was lucky to meet him after an unfortunate year at Juventus where we’d finished seventh.

“The success of Juventus is also down to Conte, who brought a winning mentality and technical knowledge, enhancing the characteristics of us players.

“It was a critical step in my career, and I’ll always be grateful to him for what I learned on and off the pitch.”

[Socrates 8527]

Man City mad for Bonucci

http://www.football-italia.net/81210/man-city-mad-bonucci?

Mar 13, 2016

English papers claim Pep Guardiola wants to build his Manchester City defence around Juventus man Leonardo Bonucci.

The current Bayern Munich manager confessed after the 2-2 Champions League first leg meeting with Juve that Bonucci is “one of my favourite players.”

Guardiola will take over at Manchester City next season and aims to completely revamp the side, starting from the back.

According to today’s Mail on Sunday, Pep instructed the club to spend big for Juve and Italy defender Bonucci this summer.

His price-tag is believed to be in the region of €32m (£25m).

Bonucci turns 29 in May and has been a key figure at Juventus since 2010.

With Andrea Pirlo’s departure, Bonucci has become more and more important when playing out from the back, as he has great vision and passing ability.

He can also get goals and regularly goes up for corners or free kicks.

His importance is evident by the fact Bonucci has already played 40 competitive games for Juve this season and 3,546 minutes of football, more than any other player.

The Mail on Sunday also claims that Manchester City will stage a double swoop for both Bonucci and Paul Pogba, offering a combined €108m (£85m), although the Frenchman alone is tagged at €100m.

[Socrates 8527]

Rizzoli: ‘No Bonucci headbutt’

http://www.football-italia.net/81694/rizzoli-%E2%80%98no-bonucci-headbutt%E2%80%99?

Mar 22, 2016

Referee Nicola Rizzoli insists Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci didn’t headbutt him - “watch the video, it’s clear”.

The official has come under fire after Sunday’s Derby della Mole, with Gonzalo Higuain’s agent claiming he gave “major help” to the Bianconeri.

Torino were incensed that Bonucci wasn’t dismissed for his protests after a penalty was awarded, with images circulating on social media showing the centre-back appearing to headbutt the official.

“Bonucci didn’t give a headbutt, it’s clear,” Rizzoli is reported as saying by Premium Sport.

“If we’re going to be conditioned by a photograph… When you watch the video it’s clear that there’s no headbutt.

“Bonucci was protesting the penalty with [Massimiliano] Irrati who was the additional referee. I took him away. He continued to protest and I warned him for it. It was a normal thing.

“I’m not someone who never thinks about mistakes or never makes mistakes. I think I did everything I could, in the knowledge in certain situations I could have handled things differently.”

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: ‘Staying at Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/81984/bonucci-%E2%80%98staying-juventus%E2%80%99?

Mar 28, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci insists he won’t follow Antonio Conte to Chelsea - “I’m only thinking about Juventus”.

The Italy CT has already announced that he’ll be leaving his position after this summer’s European Championship, and it seems all-but certain he’ll move to Stamford Bridge.

“The most I’ve followed him to is a coffee,” Bonucci told reporters in the Press conference ahead of the Germany game.

“I don’t know what the boss will do, but I’ve signed a renewal with Juventus [until 2020] and I’m honestly only thinking about the Bianconeri.”

The defender may not follow Conte to the Premier League, but he was keen to thank the former Juventus Coach for the development of his career.

“Conte is the Coach who forced me to make that leap, ever since he arrived at Juventus.

“At the start we had some disagreements, because when I arrived in Turin I definitely wasn’t in the best shape after a wedding and a honeymoon.

“But I have to say, he taught me so much on a technical level.

“If today I’m one of the best in Europe, then a good part of that is down to the boss.”

Tomorrow’s game will see a return to the Allianz Arena, where Juventus were eliminated from the Champions League earlier this month.

“Coming back to the Allianz is a negative emotion,” Bonucci admitted.

“But I think the slap in the face we had 15 days ago will help us improve even more, knowing that we just have to take that last step to be on par with the top European clubs.”

[Socrates 8527]

I won't be joining Conte at Chelsea - Bonucci

The Juventus centre-back admits he is unlikely to follow his current international
manager to Stamford Bridge, where the Italy boss set to take over this summer.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/03/28/21783932/-?

Mar 28, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci admits he is unlikely to follow Antonio Conte to Chelsea this summer.

The Juventus centre-back had been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, where his international boss is expected to take the reins this summer.

But Italy international Bonucci, who was also managed by Conte at Juve, insists he is focused on his current club.

"If I've ever followed Conte, then it's been to get a coffee at most," Bonucci told reporters at a press conference.

"I don't know where he's going to go [next season], but I've signed a new contract with Juventus and I'm only thinking about the Bianconeri."

It is widely anticipated that Conte will replace Guus Hiddink as Chelsea manager ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.

[Socrates 8527]

Leonardo Bonucci injured after hearing
'crack' in his knee against Germany

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/3/30/11328232/leonardo-bonucci-injury-juventus-italy-germany-2016-serie-a

Mar 30, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci spent Monday declaring that he has no intentions of leaving Juventus this summer amid transfer speculation that he's following former manager Antonio Conte to Chelsea. Come Tuesday night, he was forced to sweat the details of an upcoming medical examination on his suddenly injured knee.

This is because, on top of us not being able to have nice things, Bonucci had to be subbed off injured early in the second half of Italy's 4-1 dismantling at the hands of Germany in Munich. Carried off on a stretcher, this is what Bonucci, one of the few Juventus players on the roster to not be hit by the injury bug so far this season, had to say about his knee after the game:

"I heard a crack and I was in a bit of pain," the Juventus defender told Rai Sport.

"I do not know exactly where I got hurt. It could be anything.

"We'll see what the tests say tomorrow [Wednesday] and what happens next."

(Source: FourFourTwo)

I'm nothing close to being considered a doctor, but when I hear an athlete in any sport say they heard a crack and then have to leave the game immediately, nothing close to good thoughts come rushing into my mind. You hear somebody say something cracked, you're thinking of how serious things are rather than if they will be available for the next game.

But in a season where it seems like just about everybody has been injured in some way or another, I guess we need to add Bonucci to the list.

With tests scheduled for Wednesday, we won't have to wait long to hear about just how bad this injury is and how long it will keep him out for. We all hope that this is another Claudio Marchisio instance where it's not as bad as first initially thought, but I just can't get that quote from above out of my head. Injuries, again, have proven to be stupid. You all probably know this by now.

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci out for three days

http://www.football-italia.net/82060/bonucci-out-three-days?

Mar 30, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci will be out for just three days, after Juventus ruled-out a muscular tear.

The centre-back went down injured while playing for Italy in last night’s friendly defeat to Germany, and had to be stretchered off the pitch.

It was feared that the Bianconeri defender could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but tests today have confirmed that the injury is not as bad as feared.

“After sustaining an injury in yesterday’s international friendly match between Italy and Germany, Leonardo Bonucci underwent medical tests to ascertain the extent of the damage,” a statement on the Old Lady’s official website began.

“These ruled out any muscle tears. The defender will now rest up for three days before easing back into the team’s training schedule.”

Bonucci is suspended for Saturday’s Empoli game in any case, so will resume training with the squad next week.

[Socrates 8527]

Leonardo Bonucci injury: Juventus defender not
seriously hurt after scare in Germany friendly

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/3/30/11329740/leonardo-bonucci-injury-juventus-italy-germany-2016-serie-a

Mar 30, 2016

About 18 hours ago, the thoughts regarding Leonardo Bonucci's injury that forced him to be subbed off against Germany were nothing even remotely positive. Then, after reading what he had to say about it, saying that he "heard a crack," and you couldn't help but think one of Juventus' most important players might be set to have a long spell on the sidelines.

Turns out, all of those fears can now turn to the exact opposite.

Juventus announced Wednesday afternoon that Bonucci will miss all of three days — yes, ONLY THREE FREAKING DAYS — before making his grand return to training. No muscle tears, no nothing, really. Behold, one of the best medical updates we have ever received on Juventus' official website in the history of the Juventus official club website:

After sustaining an injury in yesterday's international friendly match between Italy and Germany, Leonardo Bonucci underwent medical tests to ascertain the extent of the damage. These ruled out any muscle tears.

The defender will now rest up for three days before easing back into the team's training schedule.

What the exact definition of "easing back into the team's training schedule" truly means is beyond me, but yeah, sigh of freaking relief here. The sentence immediately before that one makes things a-okay.

Maybe we see him in the return to the field this weekend against Empoli. Or maybe we don't see him this weekend against Empoli. Either way is perfectly fine with me simply because of what the diagnosis was. He will be back sooner rather than later — or six weeks or even a few months from now — and that's perfectly fine.

Everything is fine now, and that's the best we could have hoped for. Turns out that crack Bonucci heard moments before being carried off on a stretcher was really nothing at all. That's the best we could have asked for. Maybe, just maybe, Juventus have some kind of good standing with the injury gods after the season that has been this year.

[Socrates 8527]

Rizzoli: ‘Bonucci didn’t headbutt me!’

http://www.football-italia.net/82367/rizzoli-%E2%80%98bonucci-didn%E2%80%99t-headbutt-me%E2%80%99?

Apr 5, 2016

Referee Nicola Rizzoli reiterates that Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci “did not headbutt me”.

The centre-back was booked in the Derby della Mole against Torino for protesting about the award of a penalty.

Following the match, a still was circulated on the internet which appeared to show Bonucci putting his head on the referee, though video shows that wasn’t the case.

While Rizzoli has been clear that the Bianconeri man didn’t headbutt him, Gonzalo Higuain’s suspension for pushing Massimiliano Irrati has brought the “incident” to light again.

“Bonucci didn’t headbutt me,” Rizzoli reiterated in a statement.

“I was the one who pushed him, to take him away from the additional referee. The player simply went overboard in his protestations.

“There was no head-to-head, the images don’t show the reality of what happened. If he had headbutted me, then I wouldn’t have shown only a yellow.

“There is too much aggravation and lack of knowledge of the rules in the world of football, we as referees must hold our hands up when we fail to improve the culture of football, the others - players, managers, Coaches and journalists - should do the same.

“Higuain? I think everyone who plays in Serie A should take into account that they’re setting an example for those at the bottom of the pyramid, the risk of blind, gratuitous violence is always around the corner.

“Not because of that incident, I’m talking in a broader sense about the violent actions of many players.

“I’ve seen a video where there’s unprecedented violence from a player in the Seconda Categoria [eight-tier] where the player who has just been sent-off aims a kick at the referee.

“Those who play in Serie A must take into account those at the bottom of the pyramid.”

[Socrates 8527]

Can Juventus Realistically Keep Hold of Leonardo Bonucci?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2630755-can-juventus-realistically-keep-hold-of-leonardo-bonucci?

Apr 11, 2016

Since late October, Juventus have been on an incredible run of form that has seen them catapulted back into contention for the Serie A title. While the likes of Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata have rightly been praised for their role in that transformation, there is little doubt that the defence has also played a major role.

At the forefront of that effort has been Leonardo Bonucci, the ball-playing central defender usually deployed in the middle of coach Massimiliano Allegri’s three-man defence. While a raft of injuries has seen the rest of the back line in a constant state of flux, the 28-year-old has been almost an ever-present figure.

The Italy international is often the starting point for Bianconeri attacks, with WhoScored.com showing that he leads the side with a total of almost 1,900 passes in 2015/16. That figure is over 300 higher than the second-placed member of the squad, while he connects with an impressive 87.1 percent of those attempts.

OptaPaolo ✔ ‎@OptaPaolo
9 - Bonucci has netted his ninth Serie A goal for Juventus: when the defender has scored, the Bianconeri have always won the match. Decisive

Bonucci has also netted some key goals against Hellas Verona and Inter in Serie A, as well as scoring the decisive strike in his side’s Coppa Italia penalty shootout victory against the Nerazzurri to seal Juve’s date with Milan in the final of that competition.

Yet it has been his defensive contribution that has most caught the eye with figures courtesy of WhoScored showing he has averaged a respectable 0.9 tackles, 2.5 interceptions and 4.4 clearances per game while winning 1.6 headed duels per game.

That recently helped the Bianconeri register 10-consecutive clean sheets—a new Serie A record—and have seen the defender draw both praise and attention from a number of top coaches along the way.

After his Bayern Munich side eliminated Juventus from the Champions League last month, Pep Guardiola felt prompted to tell reporters at his post-match press conference that Bonucci is “one of my favourite ever players.”

It was a comment that led to Pete Jenson for the Mail on Sunday reporting the coach had asked Manchester City to target Bonucci ready for when he takes over this summer, while Sam Wallace of the Telegraph believes Chelsea also want the Italy international.

That would see him reunited with Azzurri boss Antonio Conte, but Bonucci insisted at a recent press conference that “the most I’ve followed him to is a coffee” before praising the impact the coach has had on his career:

Conte is the Coach who forced me to make that leap, ever since he arrived at Juventus. At the start we had some disagreements, because when I arrived in Turin I definitely wasn’t in the best shape after a wedding and a honeymoon.

But I have to say, he taught me so much on a technical level. If today I’m one of the best in Europe, then a good part of that is down to the boss.

While that has led to speculation the Old Lady may lose him this summer, Bonucci denied any ambition to leave Turin as he went on to say “I’ve signed a renewal with Juventus [until 2020], and I’m honestly only thinking about the Bianconeri.”

So while speculation rages that the former Bari man may move on, the club themselves agree there is no reason to panic, director general Beppe Marotta explaining their stance in an interview with Mediaset Premium.

“We only just renewed Bonucci’s contract over the summer, he is very fond of us and there’s no particular reason for his departure,” he said (h/t Football Italia). “Obviously the appreciation of a coach like Guardiola is something to be proud of for us and the player.”

Coach Massimiliano Allegri also told a press conference that “Bonucci is an important and extraordinary player,” and—as the cornerstone of their vaunted defence—he is one man Juventus have no intention of letting go.

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: ‘My celebration a bet’

http://www.football-italia.net/82800/bonucci-%E2%80%98my-celebration-bet%E2%80%99

Apr 14, 2016

Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci explains the reason for his goal celebration: “I made a bet with my friends…”

The defender is known for pointing at his face with his cheeks puffed out whenever he scores for the Old Lady.

He explained how the odd celebration was born in an interview with Sky Italia.

“It came about when I was about to move to Juventus,” Bonucci explained.

“I made a bet with my friends: If I scored at least five goals in my first season with the Bianconeri celebrating like that, they would shave their hair.

“I didn’t score five goals but the celebration carried on anyway.”

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: ‘Vidal my pranking victim’

http://www.football-italia.net/82801/bonucci-%E2%80%98vidal-my-pranking-victim%E2%80%99

Apr 14, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci recalls pranking Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal at Juventus: “He was my favourite victim.”

The Chile international left the Old Lady for the German champions in the summer but Bonucci admits ‘he might be happy I can’t joke with him anymore’.

“I make a lot of jokes, before my favourite victim was Vidal,” Bonucci told Sky Italia.

“Now he’s not here and maybe he’s happy because I can’t do it to him anymore.

“We did all sorts of things. Once I completely dismantled his bed, he found his mattress on the balcony and his sheets all over the place.

“Has he deleted me from WhatsApp now he’s at Bayern? No, we still talk.

“Whistles? I’m very used to them…When things at Juventus weren’t going well I got booed by 40,000 people at the Stadium.

“Now there’s applause, but I don’t pay attention to whistles anymore.”

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: 'I'd like to try in midfield'

http://www.football-italia.net/82963/bonucci-id-try-midfield?

Apr 17, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci admits Juventus were “shaken” by Claudio Marchisio’s injury and hints he could play in midfield for Italy.

The Bianconeri beat Palermo 4-0 to go nine points clear at the top of the table, but were in little mood for celebration after Marchisio was stretchered off with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

“There is little to celebrate today, as we have lost a fundamental figure both on the field and in the locker room,” Bonucci told Rai Sport.

“That injury left us shaken and we lost our bearings, so a Palermo side that came here just to defend created actual chances. We were fortunate to hold out and not concede a goal, but after going 2-0 up it was easier.”

Considering Marchisio is out of Euro 2016 and Marco Verratti hasn’t played for several weeks, could Bonucci try advancing into a deep-lying playmaker role?

“I did start out as a midfielder, so I still have the passing skills, but it’s a very different issue of tempo. I am intrigued by the idea of trying out there, but in the meantime I can improve in defence. Juve have many players who can do well in front of the defence.”

Bonucci was praised by Bayern Munich Coach Pep Guardiola, who will be at Manchester City next season, while he has also been linked with Antonio Conte’s Chelsea.

“I have a contract until 2020 with Juventus, the club said I am not for sale. Obviously the compliments from abroad are pleasing, but there’s nothing in it.”

[Socrates 8527]

Chelsea chasing Juve's Leonardo Bonucci

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/2859514/chelsea-seek-transfer-henrikh-mkhitaryan-from-dortmund-leonardo-bonucci-juventus

Apr 27, 2016

Chelsea have received encouragement in their pursuit of Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci after the 28-year-old failed to commit his future to the Old Lady, according to the Mirror.

The Blues want the Azzurri defender to be the centrepiece of a new-look defence under Antonio Conte and after the Bianconeri clinched a fifth successive Serie A title, Bonucci refused to give any assurances he will remain in Turin.

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: ‘Juventus is my home’

http://www.football-italia.net/83567/bonucci-%E2%80%98juventus-my-home%E2%80%99?

Apr 29, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci plays down transfer speculation - “Juventus is my home”.

The centre-back has been linked with Chelsea, as former Bianconeri Coach Antonio Conte will take over there after the European Championships.

In addition, after Pep Guardiola called the Italian international “one of my favourite players” there has been speculation that the Bayern boss may try to take Bonucci with him to Manchester City.

“I’m fine in Turin, my family is happy here,” Bonucci assured Quotidiano Sportivo.

“I’m proud to be part of the history of Juve and I see no reason to leave. The marriage to the Bianconeri was done last year.

“With my agent we organise things like this: we evaluate any offers at the end of the season. But again, I’m fine at Juventus.

“This is my home.”

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: 'People don't like Juve now'

http://www.football-italia.net/83581/bonucci-people-dont-juve-now?

Apr 29, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci claims people only like Juventus when they are losing and targets the Champions League.

The defender has been there through all five consecutive Scudetti and often found himself in the eye of a storm of controversy.

Most recently, some sites tried to imply he headbutted referee Nicola Rizzoli, whereas video images show he merely went close to his face without there being contact.

“I made a mistake in my excessive protest and was quite rightly booked,” Bonucci told Quotidiano Sportivo.

“But I never even dreamed of touching him with my head. It never happened, as the referee confirmed too. When it comes to Juve, people analyse individual frames and try to find anything to hurt us.

“Maybe they thought it would help destabilise us… Up until the end of October, Juve just weren’t there and it was our own fault. But after that we achieved something incredible.

“Nobody ever again will win 24 out of 25 games. If they had asked me in October, I would’ve said we’d still win the Scudetto, but not with that run of results.

“When you win, people dislike you. I remember the first year with Antonio Conte and the one before that when we finished seventh. An error in our favour didn’t cause a scandal then. At the time, people liked us.”

Some of that dislike is aimed specifically at Bonucci, whose traditional celebration is to puff up his cheeks and point at his face, as if to say ‘wash your mouths out before you speak about me.’

“It isn’t an insult towards anyone. It was made up by my friends the first year I came to Juve. They were Lazio, Inter and Milan fans, it was all just a joke.

“Then I realised the fans liked it. Sometimes when I meet people in the street, they don’t shake my hand, they make that celebratory gesture.

“I honestly didn’t think it could irritate anyone. I celebrated like that for the Nazionale against Norway too. I respect everyone, because those who love this sport deserve only respect.

“I was born a Juventus fan in a family full of Inter supporters. I was the black sheep! I was led astray by my uncles, who were Juve fans.”

The Bianconeri went out of the Champions League in the Round of 16 to Bayern Munich, capitulating in extra time after two 2-2 draws.

“We must at least reach the semi-final next season. I still have the anger within me for what happened against Bayern.

“My teammates and I can’t wait to play in Europe again, as we want to transform that disappointment into victories. We want to lift it to the sky. We will try.”

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: 'I breathe in Buffon'

http://www.football-italia.net/83582/bonucci-i-breathe-buffon?

Apr 29, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci insists Juventus fans only see a portion of what Gigi Buffon brings. “I breathe him in, the attitude of a winner.”

Goalkeeping legend Buffon is the Juventus captain and at the age of 38 played a decisive part in their title win, setting a new all-time Serie A clean sheet record.

“He is not human. He’s superhuman,” Bonucci told Quotidiano Sportivo.

“You are unlucky enough to only see Gigi during the games. I am fortunate enough to breathe him in, to experience him and watch him in training, in the locker room and at the dinner table.

“You breathe in the attitude of a winner, of a champion and of a man. He is my best friend in football. He sets the example for me.

“He always has the right word at the right moment, so I discuss everything with him. He is intelligent and knows his stuff.”

Bonucci also gave an insight into his own life off the pitch.

“We have two alarm clocks, one at 7.10am, the other at 7.20am. My wife Martina and I divide the chores: one dresses Lorenzo, the other prepares breakfast – which we have together – while the little one Matteo is still sleeping.

“If I have an early training session, I take Lorenzo to the American school in Chieri and then go to Vinovo.”

[Socrates 8527]

Juve block Bonucci for Italy

http://www.football-italia.net/84434/juve-block-bonucci-italy?

May 17, 2016

Juventus have decided to block Leonardo Bonucci from joining the Azzurri for the training camps, say reports.

Coach Antonio Conte recently released a list of 28 players who would train together and be evaluated ahead of Euro 2016.

No footballers due to play in the Coppa Italia final on May 21 have been included, but Bonucci made the list as he is suspended for that game anyway.

According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Juventus blocked the player on the grounds that they have no formal obligation to hand him over, because the training camps are not part of FIFA's official calendar.

They believe that Bonucci, even if he only takes part in the training stages before the game, is too important to their team to give him away.

The episode signals yet another clash between the Italian Federation and the Italian clubs, who once again emerge victorious, and suggests the Azzurri are bound to be even weaker in the post-Conte area.

[Socrates 8527]

Conte: ‘No problem with Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/84507/conte-%E2%80%98no-problem-juventus%E2%80%99?

May 18, 2016

Italy CT Antonio Conte has “no problem” with Juventus, despite them not releasing Leonardo Bonucci.

Conte named a training squad this week, but omitted players from Milan and the Bianconeri as they contest the Coppa Italia final on Saturday.

Bonucci is suspended for the match, so was named in the squad, but the Old Lady were under no obligation to release him and have kept him in Turin.

“No-one made a mistake, I called him up because he was suspended,” Conte explained in his Press conference today.

“Juventus had the option of not sending him, and they didn’t. We took note of it and we’re friends as we were before.

“I have excellent relations with them, no problem. I’m the CT, I called those who deserved to be called.

“I didn’t ask anything beforehand, Bonucci was suspended so had the opportunity to come and be with us. They could have said no and they did.”

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: ‘Italy are humble’

http://www.football-italia.net/84917/bonucci-%E2%80%98italy-are-humble%E2%80%99?

May 25, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci urges Italy to “work and stay humble” ahead of Euro 2016, and rules-out leaving Juventus.

The defender is in the 30-man preliminary Azzurri squad for this summer’s tournament in France, and is a certainty to be named in the final squad, barring injury.



CT Antonio Conte said yesterday that his starting point is the Juventus defence, and the centre-back wants to transfer club form to the international stage.

“We’re ready to make ourselves available to the CT and our new teammates,” Bonucci said in a Press conference at Coverciano.

“We’re a group of great people as well as great players. Our goal is to continue to work in the best way. We’ll put our mentality at the disposal of the squad, and help the CT to transmit that.

“We want to continue to dream like we did at Juventus. Winning helps you to win.

“With the national team we’re in the second or third row on the grid. If we have a low ranking then there’s a reason.

“We have to work, stay humble and see where we can go.

“We start without being favourites, which means we can continue our path of growth right up to the Euros and under the radar.

“It’s up to us to ensure that Italy can offer a pleasant surprise.”

Having been named as one of Pep Guardiola’s favourite players, Bonucci as inevitably been linked with Manchester City this summer.

“I have a long contract with Juventus, and I see no reason to move. I’m very happy in Turin.”

Juventus legend Gaetano Scirea would have turned 63 today, and Bonucci paid tribute to the former defender.

"I want to have a round of applause for Gaetano Scirea, it would have been his birthday today and he was a great symbol of Juventus."

[Socrates 8527]

'No time for prima donnas' - Bonucci
blames Balotelli for Italy omission

The Juventus defender is unsurprised the maverick striker has been left out of Antonio Conte's
Italy squad for Euro 2016, citing his unprofessional attitude as a key factor.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/7157/euro-2016/2016/05/25/23921632/-?

May 25, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci believes Mario Balotelli has been left out of Italy's plans for Euro 2016 because they cannot afford to have “prima donnas” in their squad.

Balotelli, 25, has been persistently criticised for an unprofessional attitude and lack of discipline throughout his career.

A lacklustre loan spell at AC Milan this season, in which he started just 10 matches and only scored three goals in all competitions, proved the latest episode of a career defined by underachievement.

Manager Antonio Conte subsequently left Balotelli, who is set to return to Liverpool for next season, out of his preliminary Italy squad for the European Championships, and Bonucci believes he has paid the price for a lax attitude.

"Everything has always been in Mario's hands, he has to be intelligent to understand what has to change, but as of yet he hasn't done so," said the Juventus centre-back.

"He would have been useful to this team, but there's no time for us to be prima donnas, we have to be tanks that sacrifice themselves for their team-mates.

"If he understood this, he would become one of the best strikers in the world, but he still has time to do so.

"I say that in the hope it triggers something inside him and he can use his gifts to achieve personal satisfaction and rediscover this shirt."

Giampiero Ventura, who left Torino on Wednesday, has been tipped to replace Conte as Italy coach when he leaves for Chelsea after Euro 2016.

Bonucci played his first full Serie A season under Ventura at Bari in 2009-10 and backs him to succeed if he is chosen as Conte's successor.

"I played 38 games for him in my debut Serie A season at Bari. If he were to be the new coach, he will instil a clear idea of how we ​​play and that's what we need," added Bonucci.

"We're not that strong in terms of quality, so we'll have to improve on a tactical level, and he's really strong in that aspect."

[Socrates 8527]

Bonucci: ‘Prove doubters wrong’

http://www.football-italia.net/84919/bonucci-%E2%80%98prove-doubters-wrong%E2%80%99

May 26, 2016

Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci wants to “turn this initial skepticism into joy” at Euro 2016.

The Azzurri head into the tournament in France this summer without two first-choice midfielders in Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti, and with question marks over CT Antonio Conte’s squad.

“I dream of a great European Championships, both personally and as a team,” Bonucci said in a Press conference today.

“All the players will listen to the CT 110 per cent. Our dream is to get as far as possible and have no regrets later. I have a huge desire to get started and confront the great national teams.

“Why should we be optimistic about the attack? Because they’re established and have all proven that they can cause problems for anyone.

“It’s normal that we all need great sacrifice and humility. The defence isn’t strong if the attack doesn’t help with the pressing, and vice-versa.

“We’ll be a group of 23 players plus the staff and the boss who will fight for one goal. We want to turn this initial skepticism into joy.”

Italy face Scotland in Malta on Sunday, and Bonucci discussed that match, along with the teams the Azzurri will face in Group E.

“Scotland? It will be an important game in terms of putting into practice the ideas of the CT, and in terms of making our legs feel better after the training sessions.

“It will be important to find the right cohesion so we can cause problems for any team we face.

“Our opponents at the Euros? Belgium are superior. In terms of the other teams [sweden and the Republic of Ireland] one has Zlatan Ibrahimovic and one has the aggressiveness of their whole team.

“It will be a difficult group, but we’ll study our opponents. If I were to make assessments I’d put Belgium first, Sweden second and Ireland third, but we’ll never change our approach.”

Finally, Bonucci discussed some of his potential defensive colleagues for la Nazionale.

“Ogbonna? Angelo showed at Juve that he could play in a back-three,” his former club teammate pointed out.

“He’s an important part of this team, he’s much improved after his experience in the Premier League [with West Ham United]. If he’s picked he’ll make a great contribution to this team.

“As for Daniele Rugani, Daniele has shown that he has grown. It’s not easy when you first come to a big team, anyone would have problems.

“He’s been lucky, in that he’s been handled wonderfully by [Coach Max] Allegri. He has a huge willingness to learn, and I think he can be useful for this national team.

“The main problem in Italy is that we always have to wait. We’re always having to protect someone or something. The path at Juventus, with so many young people, must set an example.

“The mix of youth and experience brought us two trophies, so the courage of Juventus should serve as an example.”