A warning with a wink for Cristiano Ronaldo: Leonardo Bonucci says the attacker will ‘be in pain’ if it comes to a confrontation between Italy and Portugal in the play-offs for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Italy and Portugal both finished second in qualifying and therefore have to make the play-offs to earn a spot at the World Cup. The two countries can meet in the possible final of those play-offs. Bonucci warns Ronaldo in advance. “I have heard something from Ronaldo,” Bonucci says in conversation with RAI Sport. “We’re going to see what will happen on the field. Cristiano knows he’s going to get hit”, Bonucci winks.
Italy managed to win the European Championship last summer, but is therefore by no means certain of a place at the World Cup. “We are aware that we have achieved something special,” continues Bonucci. “We have to put that aside and we will focus on the duel with North Macedonia in March. I want to give my children a World Cup as a present. They have not yet seen Italy play at a World Cup,” he concludes.
