Leonardo Bonucci has praised Roberto Mancini for making the Italy set-up “come across like a club and not a national team.”
Mancini has led Italy to Euro 2020 with three qualifiers to spare, and the Azzurri look on course to conclude Group J with a 100 percent record.
“Our growth must continue from this match,” Bonucci said at a Press conference for tomorrow’s trip to Liechtenstein.
“The lads simply have to be themselves: if they’re here it’s because they have the quality to be here.
“We’re happy that this team are able to rejuvenate. In the coming years we’ll need players ready to replace us as we leave the national team.
“But right now we’re pretty good. This group comes across like a club and not a national team: every time we meet up, it’s like we are together every day.”
The Juventus defender then highlighted the need for his teammates to remain disciplined.
“The lads are responsible, polite, ready to obey the Coach’s orders, which have helped us a lot.
“Compared to a past made up of many double training sessions and only one free evening, the way we train now helps us to be more serene and appreciate the time we’re with the national team more.
“This allows us to be even closer. It’s a fair exchange: we give everything on the field and Mancini lets us take the edge off for two hours, whenever we can.
“We have the talent, but rules also need to be in place. It depends on the players’ heads and desire to make themselves available to the group.
“If you’re in a group, rules must be respected and the group helps you grow. It applies to young, old and every team, not just national teams.
“If you follow rules, that’s good for yourself and the group. We’ll be ready to have a great Euros.”