Juventus, Leonardo Bonucci relaunches himself and sets his sights on Europe

The captain had not played as a starter since last March 12

Juventus exited the Coppa Italia but Bonucci did his part. The almost 36-year-old defender (he turns 36 next May 1) returned as a starter after more than 40 days. He hadn’t played from the first minute since last March 12, against Sampdoria in the league: “Good to be back playing from the first minute,” his comment to Sky Sport in the post-match.

Grappling with the most complicated season of his Juventus adventure, Bonucci feels he can be useful in this last slice of the season and hopes Allegri will give him more space. Clearly, the way things have turned out, the Europa League remains the real, big goal to pursue so as not to risk ending the year empty-handed. Bonucci feels compelled to make his contribution.

There is another player on the Bianconeri roster who now feels ready, and that is Pogba. Another experienced element to try to give the Old Lady an important end to the season.