COVERCIANO (Florence). The countdown has begun and Leonardo Bonucci can’t wait to dive into the European Championship, convinced that Italy can be the protagonist. “As soon as I set foot in Coverciano I breathed a positive air, there is enthusiasm and desire to go all the way”. Told by one of the veterans of the national team, with 102 appearances and many career successes, it really means that the conditions are there for an adventure full of satisfactions. «To those who say that we do not have champions capable of turning a race, like Ronaldo or Lukaku, I reply that our champion is the group, a nice mix of experience and youth. This is what makes the difference here and that we will have to highlight – said the expert defender -. We can still grow and we will certainly do everything to bring Italy back to where it deserves ».
Behind the blue relaunch is the hand of Roberto Mancini: «He was able to bring back enthusiasm, talent and lightheartedness. At the 2016 European Championship a less technical Italy appeared and it was Antonio Conte who made up for it, being the best in the world as a motivator, while Mancini – he explained – is in not putting pressure on you. They are two very different coaches but both are number one ».
The goal is to do better than Italy in the European adventure: «We are aware that there will be better equipped national teams, but we are there. We have challenged opponents with a precise identity and we have always managed to impose our game, a good business card for the European Championship ». To which must be added a defense that has not conceded a goal from eight games in a row and a rally that, on the contrary, which in the past has not been subjected to controversy and criticism: «It’s the first time since I’ve been in the national team – smiled Bonucci -. And I say that working in a peaceful atmosphere helps and makes everything easier. The group has had an exemplary behavior so far, there is union and respect ».
Bonucci too was afraid of leaving before starting: «I admit that on Friday against the Czech Republic I was very afraid after that clash. The pain was severe, but luckily it all passed quickly. I still have some discomfort but this is certainly not enough to stop me ». Blue leader together with Chiellini, awaits the opening match against Turkey: «Finally the great adventure is about to begin, moreover the spectators will return to the stands, playing in front of the public is another thing. Rome will give us a hand and a great boost ». The opponent Turkey “is a solid formation with excellent players, which deserves the utmost respect”.