European champion Leonardo Bonucci is returning to the Squadra Azzurra: the former world-class defender will in future be working as an assistant coach for the U20 national team.
It was only last summer that Leonardo Bonucci ended his illustrious career, which even took him to Union Berlin in the Bundesliga for half of the season during his last year on the pitch. Now the former center back is taking on a new challenge: the 37-year-old will be an assistant coach for the Italian U-20 national team, as announced by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
“I am proud and ready for this experience. It will be really exciting to return to the Azzurri,” said Bonucci in the federation’s announcement, looking forward to his first steps on the sidelines: ‘For me, it is now time to observe, study and learn. The opportunity to do this alongside a great person and coach like Bernardo Corradi and his staff will enable me to expand my personal knowledge and contribute my experience.’
Fourth most-capped player in history
“Leonardo is returning home,” said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, “in a different role, but with the same enthusiasm and love for the blue jersey as always.” Bonucci, the 2021 European champion, made 121 appearances for the Squadra Azzurra, putting him in fourth place in the all-time list of most-capped players for the national team: Only Gianluigi Buffon (176), Fabio Cannavaro (136) and Paolo Maldini (126) have made more international appearances for Italy.
Bonucci’s last club stop before the summer was Fenerbahce Istanbul, but before that he had spent half a season in Köpenick, where he did not get beyond the role of substitute. The resolute central defender celebrated his greatest successes with Juventus Turin, with whom Bonucci won the Scudetto eight times. He also played in the Serie A for AC Milan, AS Bari and Inter Milan.
Assistant Bonucci and head coach Corradi, also an ex-international, have their work cut out with the Italian U20s. At their last training session, the Italians lost 3-0 to the German U20s, coached by Hannes Wolf.
