Leonardo Bonucci insists Mario Balotelli has “changed, matured” and wants to be “a true example” as Italy captain.
The Azzurri face Saudi Arabia in a friendly tomorrow night, and as the most senior member of the squad the Milan centre-back will wear the armband.
“Being captain of the national team is definitely something you can feel,” Bonucci explained in today’s Press conference.
Leonardo Bonucci insists Mario Balotelli has “changed, matured” and wants to be “a true example” as Italy captain.
The Azzurri face Saudi Arabia in a friendly tomorrow night, and as the most senior member of the squad the Milan centre-back will wear the armband.
“Being captain of the national team is definitely something you can feel,” Bonucci explained in today’s Press conference.
“There’s a strong sense of responsibility, but what surpasses everything is pride. I want to be a true example for the rest of lads, also Mario who among other things I’ve found changed, matured.
“It’s strange not to find [Daniele] De Rossi and [Gigi] Buffon here, teammates and above all friends for a lifetime. Sooner or later though we all have to say ‘enough’.
“I’ve felt it a bit, not laughing at Coverciano with Gigi and Daniele, but I learned a lot from the great champions of the recent past and I hope I can pass on the values I got from them.
“If Buffon came back? As always, he’d be an added value.”