Leonardo Bonucci, the renowned former player for Italy and Juventus, is advocating for Pep Guardiola to instigate a “radical change” within the national team.
This comes after Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation, following the Azzurri‘s inability to qualify for a third consecutive men’s World Cup.
As an assistant under Gattuso and a technical coach within the national setup, Bonucci stated, “If we truly desire a radical transformation for the national team, Pep Guardiola is the right candidate for the job. While it’s a challenging prospect, dreaming costs nothing.”
At 55, Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City runs until June 2027, and he has frequently shared his ambition to coach a national team in a major tournament before retirement.
Guardiola’s illustrious coaching career includes successful tenures at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and City, where he has secured a remarkable 40 major trophies, including three Champions League titles.
Current leading candidates for the coaching position include Napoli coach Antonio Conte and Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri.
The Italian football federation faced turbulence following the team’s qualification failure, resulting in president Gabriele Gravina resigning amid mounting political pressures.
Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary goalkeeper from the 2006 World Cup-winning squad, has also stepped down as the team’s delegation chief.
An election for a new president of the FIGC is scheduled for June 22.
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Bonucci emphasizes the necessity for a significant overhaul in Italian football, reflecting on his crucial role in Italy’s 2021 European Championship victory.
“We must bravely confront the current situation to restore our respect globally and reclaim our status as a great national team that has won the World Cup,” he expressed.
“A focus on rebuilding Italian football, starting at the foundation, especially our defense, is vital. Italy requires time and a cooperative effort between politics and football to ensure they progress harmoniously. We have talented young players; nurturing their development is essential as we initiate a fresh start. The key is granting them the time they need.”