Massimo Bonanni, a former footballer and coach, recently spoke live on *Maracanà* via *TMW Radio*, sharing his perspectives on various football matters.
Discussing potential transfers like Lucca to Napoli and Xhaka to Milan, Bonanni felt that Granit Xhaka`s potential move would be a bigger signing than Lorenzo Lucca`s. He considers Lucca a possible alternative but suggests Napoli might target different players depending on the cost involved.
Regarding the official appointment of Gennaro Gattuso as the new Italy national team coach, Bonanni confessed, “I don`t know.” He acknowledged that many evaluations must have been made and noted the attempt to make a significant change by incorporating figures like Perrotta, Zambrotta, and Prandelli into a new project that will require time. He deemed the one-year contract appropriate to assess the situation. However, he expressed some reservations, suggesting that other options, such as Carlo Ancelotti, might have offered more perceived competence and a different level of public resonance, even if Ancelotti wouldn`t necessarily solve all issues. Bonanni concluded, “Seeing Gattuso as the Azzurri coach is strange.”
When asked the first thing he would ask coach Gattuso, Bonanni stated he doesn`t believe the narrative that Italian players no longer want to join the national team. His key message for Gattuso would be direct: “Roll up your sleeves and work” to ensure Italy qualifies for the World Cup. He added that he believes Gattuso is the right person for this specific task due to his work ethic.
Evaluating players, Bonanni is a great admirer of Albert Gudmundsson, describing him as a “beautiful player” who, if he`s in the right frame of mind, is an important asset and “is one for Roma,” indicating suitability for the club. On Edin Dzeko, Bonanni commented that he still provides additional options and remains an important player. However, he emphasized the responsibility to protect Italian players by reducing the number of foreign signings where possible.
Commenting on Maurizio Sarri`s recent statements at Lazio, Bonanni felt Sarri “said a thousand truths.” While respecting Sarri as a coach, Bonanni highlighted a limitation Sarri himself has acknowledged: struggling to manage teams competing on too many fronts. He referenced Sarri`s Europa League win as proof of his capability but acknowledged this self-identified constraint. Bonanni also expressed happiness about the potential return of Angelo Peruzzi, considering him a great professional and person who could provide significant help.