Rome, April 30 (LaPresse) – "Football is the best job in the world—if you learn how to take the pressure off." So said Leonardo Bonucci in an interview with Vivo Azzurro TV. Today he is an assistant coach of Italy’s U20 national team under Bernardo Corradi, and formerly a mainstay of Juventus (502 appearances, 35 goals) and the Italian national team (121 caps, 8 goals). Tomorrow, he turns 38 years old.
Having announced his retirement from playing nearly a year ago, Bonucci is now preparing—perhaps—to become a coach, with the same honesty that has always defined him.
"The idea is there," he admitted with a smile. "Right now, I'm studying for the UEFA A license, which would allow me to coach youth teams up to the U20 level and first teams in Serie C. If that fire inside me reignites—the same fire that pushed me to become a footballer—then my goal will be to earn the chance to coach a top club, maybe even the national team one day."
If that day comes, Bonucci hopes to blend two opposite worlds: the fiery Antonio Conte and the calm Roberto Mancini. Because as someone who wore the Azzurri shirt more than 100 times—fourth all-time with 121 caps and 8 goals—he knows that knowledge isn't enough. You have to listen, too.
"I was lucky to be coached by some great managers, but if I had to choose two as references for a future on the bench, it would be Antonio and Roberto. Completely different personalities, but they both taught me so much tactically," Bonucci added.