Leonardo Bonucci says he dreams of Pep Guardiola becoming Italy coach, while admitting the move is unlikely amid ongoing changes in the national team setup.
Leonardo Bonucci has revealed his admiration for Pep Guardiola, admitting he dreams of seeing the Spaniard take charge of the Italy national team, even if he recognises the idea is unlikely.
Speaking at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, the former defender suggested that appointing Guardiola would represent a bold and transformative shift for Italian football.
Bonucci explained that while many names have been linked with the role, bringing in Guardiola would signal a clear break from past approaches and usher in a new footballing philosophy. However, he was quick to acknowledge the practical challenges involved, noting that such an appointment would be extremely difficult to pull off.
Despite that, Bonucci maintained that there is no harm in imagining such a scenario, emphasizing that ambition and vision are important for the national team’s future.
The former Juventus and AC Milan defender also clarified his current role within the national setup, having remained part of the federation’s structure. Unlike Gennaro Gattuso and Gianluigi Buffon, Bonucci did not step down following Italy’s World Cup play-off disappointment and continues to contribute to scouting and player development.
With the Italian football federation awaiting new leadership and interim arrangements in place for upcoming fixtures, Bonucci’s comments reflect both hope for change and the challenges facing the Azzurri as they look to rebuild.
