Bonucci Guardiola Italy coaching call as former defender urges Italy to appoint Pep Guardiola amid calls for major national team reform

Former Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci has called for the appointment of Pep Guardiola as part of a sweeping overhaul of the national team setup, urging a “radical change” following Italy’s continued struggles on the international stage.

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Bonucci Guardiola Italy coaching call comes amid growing debate over the direction of Italian football after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup, deepening concerns about long-term decline despite their UEFA Euro 2020 triumph.

Bonucci argued that Italy must rebuild from the ground up, particularly in defensive organisation, which has historically been a hallmark of the national side.

“The important thing is to rebuild Italian football from the ground up, starting with the defence. We must have the courage to face the situation head-on in order to regain the respect of the entire world,” he said.

The former Juventus defender described Pep Guardiola as the ideal figure to spearhead such transformation, citing the Manchester City manager’s tactical innovation and ability to develop young players.

“There are very talented young players; we must give them time to develop and progress,” Bonucci added.

“Time is the only miracle solution, and if radical change is desired, Pep is the man for the job. It’s difficult, but dreaming is free.”

Italy are currently undergoing a transitional phase as they attempt to integrate a new generation of players into the senior setup, with pressure mounting on the football federation to stabilise performances.

Bonucci stressed the importance of patience from supporters as the team attempts to regain its status among international football’s elite, noting that structural changes may take time to yield results.

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Regardless of future managerial decisions, Italy’s absence from the upcoming World Cup underscores the depth of their current challenges on the global stage.