Bonucci: ‘It feels like Juventus again with Spalletti’, Chiellini directorship ‘dream’

Leonardo Bonucci believes that Luciano Spalletti is making Juventus ‘feel like Juventus’ again, and believes that his former comrade Giorgio Chiellini has everything it takes to become a Bianconeri legend off the pitch. 

The former Juventus and Italy legend appeared in an in-depth feature interview with DAZN and Serie A, discussing his time in Serie A, the national team and the current state of affairs in Turin. 

Bonucci was full of praise for Spalletti, and says that ‘insiders’ are also pleased with the direction the club appears to be heading in under the new head coach. 

“Today, with Spalletti, it feels like Juventus again,” Bonucci said. “I speak to the guys on the inside, as well as with him, and I have to say that they’re all very happy with what he’s bringing on the pitch and the relationship with the team.” 

Bonucci’s praise comes despite the fact that Spalletti ‘snubbed’ him towards the end of his playing days. 

“I spoke to him when I moved to Istanbul for the last six months of my career to try and earn a place in the national team. I’ve always had a very direct relationship with Spalletti. When I wasn’t part of his plans, we spoke and explained our respective points of view. We shook hands, we hugged and moved on.” 

Bonucci feels that Juventus have the right people running things behind the scenes, which includes his long-term former teammate, Chiellini, who has moved into an executive role since the end of his playing career. 

“I think he’s looking a bit worn out,” Bonucci joked. “It’s always been his dream, his desire to become a director at Juventus. I think he has the intelligence, the ability and the experience to do it. 

“Like all journeys, it’s about growth and he’s doing it during a difficult moment for the team.”