Giorgio Chiellini feels ‘there are no winners’ in the battle between Juventus and Leonardo Bonucci, while he evaluates Roberto Mancini’s shock resignation as Italy coach.
Although he has retired from international duty after the move to MLS side LAFC, his former teammate Bonucci was hoping to continue for one more season both representing Italy and Juve.
Instead, it looks as if he will get neither, as Juventus have frozen the veteran defender out and are trying to force him into taking a transfer elsewhere.
“I feel genuinely disappointed at this situation. Leo deserved a different exit and I hope he can find some agreement with the club. But this is Juve, they make their choices…” Chiellini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I saw him in mid-July in Tuscany, but he doesn’t need my advice. All I can be sure of in Leo’s situation is there are no winners or losers here.”
There was an even more surprising exit from the Italy squad, because coach Mancini suddenly handed in his resignation, just days after being made co-ordinator of the various youth sides.
“I think Mancio no longer felt the right motivation, but it will take time for us to understand the real reasons behind this,” added the former Azzurri captain.
“I can only thank him. When he arrived on the Azzurri bench, I didn’t think he would be as generous as he was. We experienced some emotional moments together that I will keep in my heart.”
Under Mancini, Italy won the EURO 2020 tournament only to then miss out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup, yet it was another eight months before the coach resigned.
“We touched the peak two years ago and perhaps the hangover from that experience cost us in the first two World Cup qualifying matches. There was this illusion we were in top shape and then it all collapsed on us in the play-off with North Macedonia.
“At the end of the day, you need balance to evaluate situations. We were unlucky then, just as we were a bit lucky at the Euros.”
Luciano Spalletti would seem to be the first choice as new Italy coach, with Gigi Buffon as part of his staff.
“I would be happy, as Spalletti is the right coach and it would be the crowning moment of his career,” continued Chiellini.
“Gigi is a different person to everyone else, he has a genuine sentiment for the Nazionale in his heart and can give so much to the group.”