MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Gianluca Vialli of Italy looks on before the UEFA Nations League A League Group 3 match between Italy and England at San Siro on September 23, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Leonardo Bonucci is currently part of the Italy squad under Roberto Mancini but remembers Gianluca Vialli’s undeniable influence on the players. ‘His words really got into you.’
The Azzurri were the winners of EURO 2020 with Bonucci in defense, Mancini as coach and Vialli as head of delegation.
Everyone who was part of that experience acknowledges the role Vialli played in the victory until his death in January 2023.
Bonucci respects Vialli
The Vialli award ceremony took place in Rimini this evening and current Italy international Bonucci was among those in attendance.
“Sharing moments with Gianluca is always emotional and touching. I have these unforgettable memories, he is a great role model not only for me, but for all those who had the chance to share time with him,” said Bonucci.
“During the Euros, he was a crucial pillar of that success. Remember, this was a team that missed out on the World Cup, and I really realized what a great person he is when I spoke to him the morning after our play-off loss to North Macedonia.”
Vialli was famous for his speeches in front of the team, but Bonucci revealed that it wasn’t before they went to the dressing room, but that the team had time to really think about his message.
“The day before the matches, when we were all sitting at the dinner table. He didn’t need to raise his voice, his words really got into you.
“He left you with that hunger to go out there and fight to bring home something that has history.”
Vialli had a long battle with cancer until his death in January 2023 at the age of 58.
“Despite everything he’s been through, you’d see him training on the track in Coverciano in the morning because he wanted to be in good shape. It was a message for all of us and it meant a lot,” Bonucci concluded.