After Paul Pogba failed an anti-doping test, Juventus have yet more trouble on their hands, with an Italy star now set to take legal action against them.
Towards the end of July, Leonardo Bonucci was informed that he was no longer part of the project in Turin and was left out of the squad when Juve flew to United States for pre-season preparations, with the player said to have been made to feel "abandoned".
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Despite efforts from his representatives to find out why he had been excluded in such a manner, the club reportedly refused to provide any reasoning for their decision.
As a result, the 36-year-old, who went on to join Bundesliga side Union Berlin on 1 September, has now ordered his lawyers, Antonio Conte and Gabriele Zuccheretti, to proceed with legal action against the Bianconeri, according to Sky Italia.
The news outlet further reports that the 121-time Italy international and his representatives are seeking compensation for damages caused by what he allege was a lack of adequate training and preparation conditions available to him, causing him to suffer "professional and image damage".
Bonucci is believed to view his decision to go the legal route as one that does not represent a "personal war", but rather is based on principle.
Upon being informed he was no longer part of Massimiliano Allegri's plans, the player reportedly lost access to the club's gym, swimming pool and restaurant.
It is further alleged that he was ordered to only train in the evenings, at different times to his other colleagues in the first team.
Additionally, Juve's decision to not include the veteran defender in their pre-season squad is said to be viewed by him as a "premeditated" attempt to make him feel unwelcomed and therefore seek an exit, even though he still had a year left on his deal in Turin at the time.
It is understood Bonucci intends to donate any amount of money won from the case to charitable organisations Neuroland and Live Onlus.
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This news comes mere hours after it was confirmed that Pogba had been provisionally suspended after failing a drug test earlier this season, and could be banned from football for up to four years.
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