Bonucci: ‘Can’t wait for Milan debut’

Leonardo Bonucci can’t wait to make his Milan debut against Shkendija, but warns “never underestimate any opponent”.

The centre-back joined the Rossoneri in a €40m move from Juventus last month, but couldn’t play against CSU Craiova as the bonds hadn’t been deposited for his transfer.

That has now been resolved, and the Italian international is free to play his first competitive game for his new club in Thursday’s Europa League match.

“Finally the moment is coming,” Bonucci told Milan TV.

Leonardo Bonucci can’t wait to make his Milan debut against Shkendija, but warns “never underestimate any opponent”.

The centre-back joined the Rossoneri in a €40m move from Juventus last month, but couldn’t play against CSU Craiova as the bonds hadn’t been deposited for his transfer.

That has now been resolved, and the Italian international is free to play his first competitive game for his new club in Thursday’s Europa League match.

“Finally the moment is coming,” Bonucci told Milan TV.

“There’s a bit of agitation, because of the effect I felt when I came out [onto the San Siro pitch] with Lucas [Biglia] in the preliminary.

“It was emotional, and I expect it to be the same on Thursday. San Siro is history, and I can’t wait to feel it with beautiful enthusiasm for a Milan win.

“An easy start to the season? These are the hardest games, if there’s one thing I learned at Juventus it’s to never underestimate any opponent, because that’s when you’ll slip-up.

“The game isn’t played on paper, and we’ll have to give 110 per cent every time.

“We hope there’s a big crowd, hopefully similar to the one for the Europa League preliminary with Craiova.

“When you feel the support of 65,000 people for a game they transmit emotions to you and you want to give that little bit extra.”