Barzagli is better than Bonucci, says Juve loan star | OneFootball

Mattia Caldara believes Andrea Barzagli is a better player than Leonardo Bonucci but is flattered by comparisons between himself and the latter nontheless.

Bonucci spent seven years at Juventus before making a controversial summer switch to AC Milan and the 30-year-old’s time at the San Siro has so far been less than a success.

Caldara, meanwhile, is yet to make an appearance for the Bianconeri and is currently on loan at Atalanta but his performances this season have prompted talk of him potentially being the new Bonucci and he is expected to make his way to Turin either in January or next summer.

“The distance from Bergamo won’t be a problem,” the 23-year-old told Corriere dello Sport.

“Barzagli has shown to be the most complete centre-back in Serie A over the last few years.

“Me as Bonucci’s heir? It’s nice to have such a comparison, but it also comes with responsibility.

“I think that it’s early to say whether I am his heir. I need to improve a lot in order to get to his level.”

The Italy U-21 international also says he hopes Gianluigi Buffon doesn’t hang up his gloves at the end of the season. Buffon announced his retirement from international football following Italy’s failure to qualify for next summer’s World Cup and the 39-year-old is widely expected to call time on his playing career completely at the end of this season.

“Can Gigi change his mind and not retire anymore in June? Maybe,” said Caldara.

“It would be really beautiful. His tears after the failure to qualify for the World Cup were touching and confirmed that he was and is a champion, a legend for us Italians and for the whole football world.

“After Italy-Sweden I felt bad feelings and I understood how important football is for our country. From this disappointment we have to get back together and start again to qualify for the European Championships. We are maybe not favourites, but determined to show that we are Italy.

“I hope to become a pillar of the national team. But football changes from day to day and I do not look too far. I think I’m getting better and I hope to be called up for friendly matches in March.”