Bonucci: ‘Vialli’s words got inside you’ and were decisive at EURO 2020

Leonardo Bonucci reflected on the profound influence of the late Gianluca Vialli during Italy's triumphant EURO 2020 campaign at an awards ceremony in Rimini. Bonucci, who now serves as part of the Italy staff, described Vialli as a decisive pillar of the team's success under coach Roberto Mancini, highlighting how deeply his messages resonated with the players.

Bonucci revealed that Vialli delivered impactful speeches at the dinner table the day before matches rather than in the locker room. He also praised Vialli's resilience as he battled cancer prior to his death in January 2023, noting that his work ethic and leadership served as an enduring inspiration.