Leonardo Bonucci urges Italy to “work and stay humble” ahead of Euro 2016, and rules-out leaving Juventus.
The defender is in the 30-man preliminary Azzurri squad for this summer’s tournament in France, and is a certainty to be named in the final squad, barring injury.
CT Antonio Conte said yesterday that his starting point is the Juventus defence, and the centre-back wants to transfer club form to the international stage.
Leonardo Bonucci urges Italy to “work and stay humble” ahead of Euro 2016, and rules-out leaving Juventus.
The defender is in the 30-man preliminary Azzurri squad for this summer’s tournament in France, and is a certainty to be named in the final squad, barring injury.
CT Antonio Conte said yesterday that his starting point is the Juventus defence, and the centre-back wants to transfer club form to the international stage.
“We’re ready to make ourselves available to the CT and our new teammates,” Bonucci said in a Press conference at Coverciano.
“We’re a group of great people as well as great players. Our goal is to continue to work in the best way. We’ll put our mentality at the disposal of the squad, and help the CT to transmit that.
“We want to continue to dream like we did at Juventus. Winning helps you to win.
“With the national team we’re in the second or third row on the grid. If we have a low ranking then there’s a reason.
“We have to work, stay humble and see where we can go.
“We start without being favourites, which means we can continue our path of growth right up to the Euros and under the radar.
“It’s up to us to ensure that Italy can offer a pleasant surprise.”
Having been named as one of Pep Guardiola’s favourite players, Bonucci as inevitably been linked with Manchester City this summer.
“I have a long contract with Juventus, and I see no reason to move. I’m very happy in Turin.”
Juventus legend Gaetano Scirea would have turned 63 today, and Bonucci paid tribute to the former defender.
"I want to have a round of applause for Gaetano Scirea, it would have been his birthday today and he was a great symbol of Juventus."