Massimiliano Allegri was honest when discussing the feud between Leonardo Bonucci and Juventus, admitting he’s ‘sorry it ended like this’.
The Bianconeri have been working to show the 36-year-old Italian centre back the door in Turin, unceremoniously freezing him out of the squad. He did not join the squad for the pre-season tour to the United States.
Bonucci’s agents have been working to find him a new home for weeks now and various clubs have been linked with a move, including Lazio, Genoa and Union Berlin. With only days left in the summer transfer window, a last-minute move is expected soon.
Speaking to DAZN via Calciomercato.com, Allegri was first asked about Napoli’s Scudetto win last season.
“It’s an element of richness, they did well. There has been planning there, it all starts with Benitez and ends with Spalletti.
“From the game point of view? They played very well, Osimhen among the best in the world, he shifts the balance.”
He spoke about Italy’s decision to appoint Luciano Spalletti as head coach following Roberto Mancini’s shock resignation.
“Luciano I believe is one of the best in Italy. This is proven by his career and how he makes teams play, the results he has achieved. Post Mancini it was right to give it to Spalletti, the crowning achievement of the Scudetto and the career he’s had.”
Allegri discussed Bonucci’s position at Juventus and why he’s being pushed out of the club.
“I’m sorry it ended like this. We’ve been clear with Leo since February, I’ve spoken to him several times. Both I and the club said that next year would be a year in which he would have to decide whether to continue elsewhere or retire.
“When you get to the age of 36, you’ve made Juve history, 500 games and you’ve been a player on the pitch even with a limp… He has given so much to Juve, Juve has given so much to him. He has to make an important decision for himself, looking at the future and not at one year. He is young.
“What I’m saying I told him in times not under suspicion, it’s normal that a champion like him arrives at the end of his career, if it’s not this year it will be next year, and the fear of retiring is there, it’s normal. I wasn’t a champion, retiring was easy for me. The dynamics are the same.
“The difference is that one has to have the ability to accept. If he does it first, it’s good for himself. Otherwise, it’s boring. For me it was important, decisive. He remains in the history of Juve, 500 games are made in a few.”
Finally, Allegri gave his thoughts on winger Federico Chiesa.
“Now he has full confidence. I saw him this year and he has a different leg. He has to convince himself that he’s a striker, he is. Then maybe he goes out wide or in the centre, but he has to score goals. With his characteristics, he’s a player who is dull when he shoots. It hurts.”