Bonucci: ‘Vialli’s words got inside you’ and were decisive at EURO 2020
Leonardo Bonucci reflects on the influential role Gianluca Vialli played in Italy's successful EURO 2020 campaign. Bonucci highlights Vialli's ability to motivate players through personal connection rather than traditional locker room speeches.
Why it matters
It provides insight into the leadership dynamics of a championship-winning national team and honors the legacy of a prominent football figure.
Leonardo Bonucci is part of the Italy staff now under Roberto Mancini, but remembers the undeniable impact of Gianluca Vialli on players. 'His words really got inside you.'
The Azzurri were together winning EURO 2020 with Bonucci in defence, Mancini as the coach , and Vialli as the delegation chief.
Everyone who was part of that experience acknowledges the role that Vialli played in the victory, all the way up to his death in January 2023.
PARMA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: (L-R) Leonardo Bonucci and Roberto Mancini attend the Serie A match between Parma Calcio and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on August 22, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Luca Amedeo Bizzarri/Getty Images)
This evening, an awards ceremony named after Vialli took place in Rimini, and current Italy member of staff Bonucci was among those attending.
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