Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci says Inter remain the favourite to win the Serie A title and explains where Dusan Vlahovic must improve.
The Italy defender released an interview with DAZN on Monday night to discuss Juventus’ campaign. The Italy international scored a decisive brace in a 2-1 win over strugglers Venezia on Sunday, allowing the Old Lady to qualify for the Champions League. Reaching a top-four finish was Juventus’ minimum target in 2021-22, but Bonucci regrets not seeing the Bianconeri involved in the title race.
“Of course, we have regrets because we have thrown points away and we could have been there to fight for the title. However, these are understandable mistakes in a transitional period and must serve as a lesson for the future,” he said.
“We have qualified for the Champions League and hopefully, we can do something more next season, in Italy and Europe.”
The interview was conducted by journalist Pierluigi Pardo and Bonucci’s former teammate Andrea Barzagli. “Leo is one of the best defenders in the world, but I must say that he was wrong when he left Juventus [joining Milan], but he was good in returning,” said the former Italy international.
“As everyone knows, Juventus come before everything else, but at that time, I was angry and frustrated. Feelings that have been cancelled now,” Bonucci replied.
“I’ve learned from mistakes and today I am happy to be an example for young players at Juventus. I want to continue for at least two more years given that I have a contract until 2024.”
Barzagli won eight Serie A titles in a row with Juventus, retiring in 2019. The following season, he returned to the club to join Maurizio Sarri’s staff, but he left after just six months.
Bonucci was also asked where Juventus and their new star Dusan Vlahovic must improve. The Serbia international has scored seven goals in 17 appearances in Turin, but his goal-per-minute ratio has risen to one goal every 196 minutes. He had managed one goal every 102 minutes in the first part of the season at Fiorentina.
“I think he [Vlahovic] must understand how to be less frantic when he has the ball. Right now, he’s asked to hold the ball. Naturally, sometimes he exceeds because he is young and desires to do well,” said Bonucci.
“He has given us enthusiasm and goals and taken responsibility off the shoulders of other players. He is a very important player for us.
“I think everyone would like to win games with 70-80% possession, but sometimes the result counts more, so a good mix between the two things is the best thing,” Bonucci continued.
“Sometimes it’s possible, sometimes not. This season we didn’t collect points in games played technically well. Other times we struggled but earned points.
“It’s a path, we must improve in everything and sometimes we pay a high price for lacking experience. It happens when you have many young players, but we have the basis for building something important.”
Only two points divide Inter and Milan with three games remaining. Who will win the Serie A title?
“Looking at the fixture list, I would say Inter, but also because of their team. However, this season has surprised us many times. It’s an exciting title race and it’s shame that we [Juventus] are not involved.
“We enjoy the race as football lovers and it’s nice to see the season decided in the last week,” the 35-year-old concluded.
Nothing wrong with Dusan, just play him in his position to score goals. Or running like a pelican will risk yet another knee injury.
Don’t play him out of position, that would be the improvement.