Italy: Bonucci in talks to join Spalletti’s backroom staff – report | OneFootball

According to Tuttosport, ex-Juventus and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci could join Luciano Spalletti’s backroom staff after a disappointing European campaign for the Azzurri.

Former Italy centre-back Bonucci could return to the national team, becoming a member of Spalletti’s staff, according to Tuttosport.

Bonucci met Spalletti and a few Italy players, including Riccardo Calafiori, after a 1-1 draw against Croatia in the EURO 2024 group stage.

The report claims Bonucci and Spalletti respect each other, and the idea of adding the ex-defender to the Azzurri backroom staff is concrete.

Italy: Bonucci in talks to join Spalletti’s backroom staff

A former Juventus, Milan and Bari defender, Bonucci announced his retirement in May after spending his last season as a footballer at Union Berlin and Fenerbahce.

It is no secret that he wants to remain in football and become a coach. Therefore, he is highly motivated to join Spalletti’s staff to get his first experience as part of a backroom staff.

Ex-Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi did the same between 2021 and 2022 as part of Roberto Mancini’s Italy staff before becoming a head coach, first for SPAL and then for Roma.

Bonucci made 121 appearances for Italy, scoring eight goals and winning the Euros in 2021.

On the other hand, Bonucci’s ex-Juventus teammate Gigi Buffon could leave the national team and will soon discuss his future as delegation chief with the federation.