Three defenders Antonio Conte could sign for Chelsea this summer

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Leonardo Bonucci

One defender who Conte knows well from his time at Juventus and now the Italian national team is Leonardo Bonucci. The 29-year-old Italian boasts 59 international caps as well as nearly 300 club appearances, and has played an integral part in one of the toughest defences in modern football.

In his time at Juventus, Bonucci has played in a back three with Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini; an integral part in The Old Lady winning an unprecedented five consecutive Serie A titles. With two stellar names alongside him at the back, Bonucci has often missed out on a lot of the plaudits that Barzagli, and in particular Chiellini have received over the years. Thanks however to Italy’s start in Euro 2016, in which Conte is using the same three individuals in a back three, Bonucci has begun to showcase his importance in making the trio so effective.

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His anticipation is one of his most decorated attributes, cutting out almost any attempted pass into the penalty area from the opposition. It is his distribution however that has taken many European viewers by surprise. In Italy’s first game of Group E, he provided a sublime assist for Emanuele Giaccherini’s goal. A ball that the average viewer may have been somewhat surprised by, but the type of ball that Juventus fans have been seeing for season after season.

Bonucci would undoubtedly suit Conte’s style of play after already having years of experience under him, and would be a signature to rejuvenate Chelsea’s defence.