Bonucci: ‘Juventus still favourites’

By Football Italia staff

Leonardo Bonucci admits Milan are “still a step below” Juventus and Napoli but “we mustn’t limit ourselves”.

The Rossoneri have spent over €200m on new signings this summer, with the centre-back their marquee signing after his €40m move from the Old Lady.

“Juve remain favourites and Napoli have a great chance of fighting for the Scudetto,” Bonucci predicted in his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. Read parts one and two here.

“As we are now we’re still a step below both, but we mustn’t limit ourselves. After those two, I see Milan, Inter and Roma as equals.

“If Andrea Belotti or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrive? Belotti is someone who drags you forward, he’s such a hard worker.

“I don’t know if he’ll come, but whoever does come in has to be available for both phases.

“A top-class striker will make things easier in so many ways, it would be the perfect end to a stimulating and exciting transfer campaign.”

Bonucci was then asked for his opinion on Coach Vincenzo Montella.

“I see a lot of desire to improve in him, as well as to transmit the will to win. He’s a very clever tactician, he’s a Coach with a great future and I hope I can win with him.

“His idea of football is very good, I’ve never seen anyone play this kind of game with a four-man defence.

“Will we switch to three at the back? To be honest, four or three is the same for me. In fact, with three there’s a lot more pitch to defend.

“Do you know how many times I’ve found myself one-on-one?

“Will I be a Coach? Absolutely, yes. I’ve been thinking about it for four or five years. I’ll play for another six or seven years and then I’ll coach.

“It’s something that [Antonio] Conte instilled in me, I see myself being a bit like him.

“Then I also want to raise a trophy as a Coach…”

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