Old Doorstops Lead Italy To Glory, But They Won't Be With Azzurri Forever

Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci (far left) celebrate Italy's victory at Euro 2020 (Twitter @ViVo_Azzurro)

JAKARTA - The old doorstop again brought blessings to Italy and this time led the Azzurri to Euro 2020 glory. However, two clever defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini could not stay with the national team forever.

It's no secret where Italy's strength lies even before last Sunday's final.

In front of the barely impenetrable goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma were Chiellini (36) and close friend Bonucci (34) performing the exact opposite of their age this summer to lead Italy to glory.

#RinascimentoAzzurro Gli #Azzurri sono a #PalazzoChigi per l'incontro con il Presidente del Consiglio #Draghi#Nazionale #VivoAzzurro #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/fikGRXMpdW

— Nazionale Italiana ️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Vivo_Azzurro) July 12, 2021

The two Juventus players named Bonucci will go on holiday together after this Euro win showing all his big tournament experience and knowledge to eliminate England after their lightning start at Wembley, celebrating every tackle as if it was their last.

Although neither of them have plans to retire yet, it is unlikely that they will remain at the heart of Italy's defense at the end of next year's Qatar World Cup, if Roberto Mancini's side qualify.

Chiellini, who has suffered several serious injuries in recent years, will be 38 at that time.

"We are disappointed that we failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, but you have to always believe, try hard to be on top and never give up," Bonucci said.

"This is a revival for Italian football. I'm sure now this squad and coach will still be making headlines for the foreseeable future."

If he had to leave because he was old, a younger generation would step in to prove Bonucci was right that this summer's success wasn't the only one.

Alessandro Bastoni, Rafael Toloi and Alessandro Acerbi are ready to take over the baton from Chielini and Bonucci. However, those talents need guidance. And that guide seems to be Donnarumma.

Despite being younger than them (except Bastoni), Donnarumma has been through a lot and seems to be getting better even in the most stressful situations.