Leonardo Bonucci has expressed concerns about the lack of experience in the Italy team but is pleased with the role he can play in the team.
The Juventus defender, who will win his 44th cap for the Azzurri in Bulgaria on Saturday, feels that although the squad is talented it’s lack of experience in Europe could be a problem.
”If this team has a limit perhaps it is the lack of experience at European level,” Bonucci told the press at Italy’s training ground, Coverciano.
”There are many of the younger players who have not had much chance to play on European soil.”
Bonucci is also enjoying his role at the heart of the Italian defence as part of a three man defence.
”My role in the defensive three I really like, being the guy to bring the ball out of defence gives me a lot of responsibility because if I lose the ball we are under pressure.
“It helps that I have team mates from Juventus around me in defence.”
One player who has impressed the 27-year-old is Marco Verratti bit was reluctant to draw comparisons with, former international and current Juventus team mate Andrea Pirlo.
”He is proving to be a very important player, he does not seem to suffer with the pressure,” Bonucci continued.
“Is he the new Pirlo? We should not make comparisons as Pirlo is still playing and offers a lot of value still as does Marco, you can see the value he is having at PSG but he still has room to improve as well.”
Following the game in Sofia, Italy then host England on Tuesday in a friendly held in Turin which means a first return for the National Team coach, Antonio Conte, back to a ground where he enjoyed three years of success.
”I believe that Conte will be met with cheers and applause as he has given all Juventus fans so much joy in these last few years.”
