Alessandro Bastoni reveals Leonardo Bonucci personally presented him with the Number 19 jersey for Italy’s 2-0 win over Poland.

That is traditionally Bonucci’s number, but the Juventus defender was out injured, although he insisted on remaining with the group as moral support.

Bastoni needed it, as this was only his second cap after the 4-0 friendly win over Estonia and he was marking Robert Lewandowski.

Alessandro Bastoni reveals Leonardo Bonucci personally presented him with the Number 19 jersey for Italy’s 2-0 win over Poland.

That is traditionally Bonucci’s number, but the Juventus defender was out injured, although he insisted on remaining with the group as moral support.

Bastoni needed it, as this was only his second cap after the 4-0 friendly win over Estonia and he was marking Robert Lewandowski.

“I felt at ease, but I already had a good feeling on Wednesday. Fortunately, these are great men as well as great players and they made me feel really at home,” Bastoni told RAI Sport.

The Inter centre-back reveals Bonucci not only gave up the 19 shirt, he presented it personally to his Azzurri heir.

“I wasn’t expecting it, I went into the locker room and found the Number 19 jersey. Bonucci sent me on a mission to play his 100th cap for him and I hope I did him proud.”

There was an elbow on the chin from Lewandowski during the first half, an incident some believe might’ve warranted at least a yellow card.

“I’m ok, it just caught me and hurt at the time. He didn’t apologise, in fact he was complaining. He’s older, so I let it go…”

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