Leonardo Bonucci has thanked Antonio Conte for improving him as a player and has “incredible hunger” for Euro 2012.

“I improved a great deal thanks to Conte and I thank him, as be made me understand that at times I needed to be grittier and less lazy,” Bonucci told Sportal.

He is one of several Bianconeri stars called up by Cesare Prandelli in his 32-man long list for Euro 2012.

“The fact there are so many Juventus players in the Italy squad is certainly positive, as it means we have worked well throughout the year.

“It also allows the Nazionale to be based on a group who already know each other and bring a winning mentality, the kind we’ve shown this season.

“We laugh and joke with Gigi Buffon every day, even about the 2006 World Cup win. He is a champion both on and off the field. That is the secret, as he is never sated.

“Andrea Pirlo is a real genius. It’s incredible what he can do with the ball at his feel. For him having a player pressing him or not makes no difference.

“If I think about the Euros, then I feel incredible hunger. For a young player like me, hunger and humility must never be lacking.”

Can't wait to see Verratti and Giovinco playing together with our Juve-players. Will be a good test for Conte to see what he likes and what he doesn't..