Leonardo Bonucci has apologised after a telling-off from the Italy staff, insisting he “did not want to offend Roma.”
The Juventus” data-scaytid=”3″>Juventus defender scored the winner in Sunday’s 3-2 victory and further stoked the fires of controversy on Twitter.
Leonardo Bonucci has apologised after a telling-off from the Italy staff, insisting he “did not want to offend Roma.”
The Juventus defender scored the winner in Sunday’s 3-2 victory and further stoked the fires of controversy on Twitter.
He wrote that people who criticise Juve ought to “wash your mouth out” and “the only thing that counts is victory.”
The fact he sent that tweet while on international duty reportedly infuriated Coach Antonio Conte.
“Bonucci was wrong and he knows that,” stated Italy team manager Gabriele Oriali. “I understand adrenaline and tension, but here we all wear just one jersey.”
Bonucci held a Press conference and explained the reasoning behind his tweet.
“Those who follow me know that is how I always celebrate, dedicating it to my friends. I did not want to offend Roma or anyone else.
“I’ll not score a goal like that again, so the joy of that and the three points lasted more than two days. I have the utmost respect for everyone who wears the Giallorossi colours and I certainly didn’t want to offend.
“I simply tried to joke with my friends, the same way I did after the Italy game with Norway and my first goal for Juventus. I could’ve avoided posting that tweet when I was on international duty, so for that I apologise.
“I just want to clarify that I always write #totheendforzajuventus and the phrase #victoryisallthatcounts is part of the Juve DNA. It’s true we players ought to lower the tone around what was already such a tense match.
“I should’ve tweeted that before coming to the Italy camp, but in the enthusiasm of the moment I didn’t think it would generate so much controversy.”
Bonucci met up with Roma player Alessandro Florenzi on international duty and they discussed the winning goal.
“He said ‘if you try that again 10 times, you’ll never get that volley.’ I joked with him, but also with (Roma director Walter) Sabatini. Once the 90 minutes are over, it’s right to joke around with each other.
“As everyone said, Roma have strengthened this season. They are a great competitor for the Scudetto and have much to give both in Italian football and in Europe.”