Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini explain origins of iconic BBC partnership | OneFootball

Juventus and Italy legends Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini were reunited at the Festival dello Sport over the weekend, and took to the stage together to discuss the origins and success of their iconic ‘BBC’ partnership.

Chiellini: ‘Our partnership is a story of friendship’

Chiellini, speaking first, explained that their closeness away from the pitch was a major part of their collective success on it.

“The BBC partnership is a story of friendship, of a trio that was about more than just the individual player. We gelled well from the first moment,” he said.

Cheillini also pointed out the exact moment the Juventus trio felt at their strongest. “Against Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the 2016/17 Champions League. They couldn’t get past us at Camp Nou.” That game ended in a 0-0, which sent Juve through to the Champions League semi-final, and helped them on their was to the final in Cardiff.

Cheillini also gave a fitting tribute to Gianluigi Buffon, who was unable to attend due to his commitments with the national team.

“Gigi was someone who didn’t get to experience the day-to-day life in the dressing room much, he trained separately with the other goalkeepers. But he always managed to come up with words that touched your heart. You either have that or you don’t. Aside from the saves, Gigi always knew how to pull on our heartstrings.”

Bonucci explains ‘BBC’ origin

Bonucci explained the reason why Juventus switched to a back-three system in the first place: “It was Conte’s idea, it changed my career.” Bonucci also revealed that he is on his way to completing his coaching badges: “I have the test on Monday.”

Baragli on Juventus ‘history’ and Serie A title picks

Barzagli was next to speak about the iconic partnership with Bonucci and Chiellini. He tried to be modest, but the interviewer insisted that the trio will go down among the footballing greats.

“I think we gave a lot to Italian and European football. It’s too difficult to say whether we are among the greats of football or not. If you say so, I’m happy with that,” he joked.

Barzagli then gave his tips for the 2024-25 Scudetto, explaining that Juventus are in the mix, but have less pressure to win than some of the other teams in Serie A.

“Inter and Napoli along with Juventus are the favourites for the Scudetto in my opinion. But I put the other two above Juve. We’ll fight, but we don’t necessarily have to win it, because this is just the start of the project.”