For the second time in his Juventus career, Leonardo Bonucci will make the trip to face FC Porto only to sit in the stands – but will he have his own special seat this time?
Although Bonucci and Paulo Dybala are named in the squad for tomorrow’s Champions League Round of 16 tie, coach Andrea Pirlo confirmed that neither player is available.
For the second time in his Juventus career, Leonardo Bonucci will make the trip to face FC Porto only to sit in the stands – but will he have his own special seat this time?
Although Bonucci and Paulo Dybala are named in the squad for tomorrow’s Champions League Round of 16 tie, coach Andrea Pirlo confirmed that neither player is available.
They are making the journey only to provide moral support to their teammates on the return of European football.
It means Bonucci will be in the stands of the Estadio Do Dragao, a view he is accustomed to, as he famously watched his team win 2-0 here on February 22, 2017.
On that occasion, it wasn’t an injury ruling him out, but a disciplinary measure following his row with coach Max Allegri.
Bonucci was caught on camera shouting back at his tactician during the previous Serie A game against Palermo on February 17.
The defender was therefore called up for the Porto match, but left in the stands.
It seems Bonucci felt the view wasn’t good enough from his seat, so he was given his own stool to sit on in the stairwell, creating a famous image of the Italy international on the equivalent of the naughty step.