Bonucci, who remains part of the FIGC coaching staff after working as a collaborator to Gennaro Gattuso, has retained his role following Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup — the country's third consecutive absence from the tournament.
"Pio Esposito — I think in the next few years he will be an excellent striker and a great talent at world level," the former Juventus defender told La Gazzetta dello Sport's social media channels.
"Palestra too — I think he will play at a top club. And the last one I would say is Bartesaghi. He already plays at Milan, but he too, like Palestra, will play at a top club."
Bonucci acknowledged that two of the three choices were relatively predictable picks, but said he stood by the inclusion of Bartesaghi, who has not featured in recent Italy squads.
The AC Milan full-back has broken into first-team action this season and has been capped at Under-21 level, but his omission from the senior picture makes Bonucci's endorsement a notable one.
The former Italy captain also used the same interview to name Pep Guardiola as his dream candidate to coach the Azzurri.
"If there is a true desire to start from zero, I would start with Guardiola," he said, while conceding the appointment would be complicated.