In an end-of-year interview with Rai, Leonardo Bonucci was optimistic about Italy’s chances of qualifying for the next World Cup. The Juventus defender is also already warning Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of a potential barrage against Portugal.
At the end of the year, Italy does not yet have the assurance of playing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Already deprived of the 2018 edition, the Nazionale will have to go through the blockades again, with a clash scheduled against North Macedonia in March. Then if successful, the selection led by Roberto Mancini will find Turkey or Portugal.
“I want to give a gift to my children who have never seen Italy in the World Cup”
Obviously, many are already speculating on an opposition between the last two winners of the Euro. At 34, Leonardo Bonucci will certainly have one last opportunity to compete in the World Cup. “I want to give a gift to my children who have never seen Italy in the World Cup,” said the defender at the microphone of Rai Sport. When we meet again with my teammates in March, I am sure that what s ‘past fall will serve as a lesson and we will perform two great performances. “
This week, Roberto Mancini estimated that his team was probably “let go” after the victory at the Euro. Squadra Azzura, after several draws, finished second in their group in the qualifying stages behind Switzerland. “After the Euro, I discovered that I lived football differently, noted Bonucci. The decline after this victory was physiological.”
Currently at Juventus, Leonardo Bonucci could find, like others, his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the play-off final. “We talked and we joked about a possible dam between our two countries. We will see what happens on the pitch, but Cristiano knows he will take hits,” quipped the experienced defender of Italy.
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