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Leonardo Bonucci believes fresh blood is needed for a Juventus squad in the process of “rejuvenation”.
Bonucci scored a double, including a 76th-minute winner, on his birthday as Juve took another step towards securing Champions League qualification for next season with a 2-1 Serie A victory over bottom club Venezia.
The result moved Juve 11 points ahead of Roma, who face Bologna later on Sunday.
Eighteen-year-old midfielder Fabio Miretti made an impressive debut, with Bonucci hailing his performance and the infusion of youth into a team that is off the pace in a Scudetto race it has typically dominated in recent years.
“Fabio had a great performance, but we already knew his qualities and had no doubts he’d do well, even if he is young,” Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia.
“The squad is in the process of rejuvenation and fresh blood is welcome.
“My role is to pass on my experience, that need to never give up and fight to the end.”
Referencing his wife’s sponsored walk for the hospital that looked after their son when he fell ill following hernia surgery, Bonucci added: “It was a great day for my whole family, it felt like coming full circle after my wife’s charity initiative.
“We needed to bring home the win to ensure the last three games wouldn’t be too complicated, but Venezia deserve credit for coming here and playing open football.
“We always need to improve, because we’ve seen that when we’ve got the engine revved up, we can have our say.
“These last few games need to be training to prepare for next season.”
