Leonardo Bonucci has praised former Juventus and current Italy Coach Antonio Conte for his work with the Azzurri so far.
The 45-year-old is gearing up to his competitive debut on the national team bench and has received backing from one of his former Juve players pre-game.
“Although there is little time to train, we have to play two games,” Bonucci began, sitting next to his Coach in today’s conference in Oslo.
Leonardo Bonucci has praised former Juventus and current Italy Coach Antonio Conte for his work with the Azzurri so far.
The 45-year-old is gearing up to his competitive debut on the national team bench and has received backing from one of his former Juve players pre-game.
“Although there is little time to train, we have to play two games,” Bonucci began, sitting next to his Coach in today’s conference in Oslo.
“With Conte we train in strong rhythms whilst we always know what to do, how we need to move the ball, and this is fun.
“And his particular style of man-management? In a football team there is a Coach who decides a set of rules and it is up to the players to enforce those rules.
“Conte does not make decisions for us but directs us. That is the secret that led Juve to win so much and we hope now that it can also happen with the national team.”
Bonucci was then asked about the absence of Giorgio Chiellini, and the other potential centre back pairings.
“After three years working together, the partnership between Giorgio and I is stupendous. But with David [Astori] I have worked well and we have talked a lot, which helps. Against the Netherlands the defence was great.”
The Bianconero also shared his views on the situation between Juventus and Italy over Chiellini.
“Giorgio would have liked to have stayed here with us, we all know how he is and how he lives his work.
“But Juve needed to monitor his condition. He must abide by what his club decides – it is not that Juve want to impose their power, it is just a necessity.”
Italy begin Euro 2016 qualifying against Norway.
“We started to study Norway three days ago and saw the live game on TV between them and England.
“They play a solid 4-5-1 that allows them to take advantage of the offensive characteristics of the two wide attackers.”
Bonucci provided a brilliant lobbed assist for Ciro Immobile against the Netherlands last week.
“I told Ciro after kick-off, let's get the ball rolling, you attack deep. And he did.”