Juventus and Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci has insisted that the players in the national team squad want to ‘go back to entertaining and giving enthusiasm’ to the fans ahead of Thursday’s Nations League semi-final against Spain.
The 36-year-old, in an interview with Sky Sports on Wednesday evening, admitted that whilst the Nations League is a relatively ‘new’ competition, it is still massively important and one that Italy want to win.
The influential centre-back also noted that Italy have a healthy balance of experienced winners and an emerging selection of talented youngsters, which he believes can only be a positive moving forwards.
“There is an awareness on our part that by starting the players we saw at the Euros, we could bring home a trophy that is new, but very important,” Bonucci said on the eve of the semi-final against Spain.
“We’re fine as a group, we met the others in Sardinia and it was nice to spend those four or five days together between work and fun.
“Then the Inter boys arrived in Coverciano, obviously disappointed but ready to go again. They are part of this huge group, which wants to go back to entertaining and giving enthusiasm to the Italians.”
On the introduction of Italy’s youngsters, Bonucci said that the days the team spent together in training have been massively important.
He explained: “The days we spent together in Sardinia helped us reunite the group and bring in the new young people. It is important that all the pieces of the puzzle are placed in the right way to ensure that the 23 players play as one and take home the trophy.”
Bonucci was also asked about Nicolo Zaniolo and Davide Fratessi, both of whom have returned to the squad after missing out last time. They have also both been rumoured to be in line for a possible move away from their current clubs in the summer transfer window at various stages.
“Certainly they are both great prospects for Italy in the future,” Bonucci said. “What I wish for them is that they get to gain experience in this type of match as soon as possible, because it helps to have a good understanding of the big moments. They have all the qualities necessary to pull on the shirt for great teams.”
Then, speaking about himself, Bonucci revealed that he is fully available for selection on Thursday night, adding: “I’m available to the coach, I won’t manage myself. The coach will decide when and whether to let me play, then we’ll go on holiday.”
Lastly, Bonucci was asked about a recent joke made by former World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, who had said, in jest, that Bonucci had “already retired, but he doesn’t know it yet.”
“I don’t agree with Cannavaro’s joke. I’ve had injuries and certain things off-pitch that haven’t helped me, but I feel better than a few months ago. I still have a year on my contract, let’s enjoy these two games,” he responded.
Kick-off against Spain is due at 19.45 on Thursday evening.