Leonardo Bonucci pushed Gigi Buffon to be more like Manuel Neuer and reveals Andrea Pirlo’s practical jokes.
The Juventus defender sat down with Tuttosport and said it was “an injustice” that Buffon had never won the Ballon d’Or.
“I’d vote for Neuer this year, especially as he is a new breed of goalkeeper. He starts moves from the back and does incredible things,” said Bonucci.
Leonardo Bonucci pushed Gigi Buffon to be more like Manuel Neuer and reveals Andrea Pirlo’s practical jokes.
The Juventus defender sat down with Tuttosport and said it was “an injustice” that Buffon had never won the Ballon d’Or.
“I’d vote for Neuer this year, especially as he is a new breed of goalkeeper. He starts moves from the back and does incredible things,” said Bonucci.
“For everything Gigi has done in his career, he should’ve won the trophy. Now when I see Neuer do something spectacular I always make fun of him and say ‘Gigi, when are you going to do something like that for us?’
“On Tuesday against Inter he listened to me and towards the end rushed out to midfield.”
The Juventus squad has a lot of Italy in it and the players have formed a bond over many years, including an unexpected practical joker.
“There is a rule with Pirlo: if you don’t hear him talking or joking in the locker room, then you have to be careful, as it means he is preparing one of his pranks.
“His preferred victim? Me! There’s a chat-room that all of us on the Nazionale are signed in to and he writes very little, but when it comes to attacking me he’s always ready!”