Fearless in the tackle, possessing a fine tactical mind and confident with the ball at his feet, Leonardo Bonucci has all the attributes required of a top, international defender.

Few players have taken their game to the next level in the same way as Bonucci since he joined Juventus from Bari in 2010. The defender’s consistency at the back and his unrelenting year on year improvement cemented his place at the heart of the Bianconeri’s legendary backline as well as making him a permanent fixture for the Azzurri.

Beginning his career with hometown club Viterbo, Bonucci was soon on the move to Inter and it was there that he made his Serie A debut on 14 May 2006 against Cagliari. Spells at Treviso and Pisa followed before he pitched up at Bari in 2009, where he would instantly flourish, win his first Italy cap (against Cameroon in March 2010) and earn a move to Juventus the following summer.

Upon arriving in Turin, Bonucci quickly established himself as a mainstay for both club and country, winning six consecutive Scudetto titles, three Italian Super Cups and three Coppa Italia trophies, before joining Milan in July 2017.

During his one season (50 appearances) with the Rossoneri, Bonucci completed the most passes (2,736) and made the most interceptions (70) – across all competitions – of anyone at the club.

In August 2018, Bonucci completed his return to Juventus, contributing to a terrific season with Juventus once again.