Former Italian international defender Leonardo Bonucci said he dreams of Pep Guardiola taking over as head coach of the Italian national team for a “fresh start,” following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
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| Bonucci Identifies Italy’s Only “Savior” |
Speaking on Monday in Madrid on the sidelines of the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony, the former Juventus and AC Milan defender stated that “if we really want to start from scratch,” then the Manchester City manager should be appointed.
Regarding the possibility of hiring Pep Guardiola, Bonucci added that “his presence would represent a radical change compared to everything that has been done in the past.”
Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy’s head coach after the loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European World Cup playoffs, ahead of the tournament scheduled to take place next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For the third consecutive time, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, despite having won the tournament four times, most recently in 2006 in Germany.
Bonucci, a member of Italy’s Euro 2021 title-winning squad, acknowledged that appointing the Spanish coach would be “very difficult,” but stressed that “dreaming at this stage costs nothing,” while calling for a rebuilding of Italian football.
He said, “The current team, when compared to our Euro-winning squad, is undoubtedly superior in terms of technical ability and talent,” but added that “what it lacks is maturity in leadership and character, which is what makes the difference in crucial matches.”
The 38-year-old concluded: “I hope this setback for the Italian national team will serve as a new starting point.”
Since making his debut for the Azzurri on March 3, 2010, Bonucci has earned 121 caps and scored eight goals.
