Leonardo Bonucci explained his goal celebration after a 2-1 victory over Napoli and congratulated Gonzalo Higuain.
“These three points mattered a great deal, as we have sent Napoli seven points adrift and kept our distance from Roma,” the defender told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.
Leonardo Bonucci explained his goal celebration after a 2-1 victory over Napoli and congratulated Gonzalo Higuain.
“These three points mattered a great deal, as we have sent Napoli seven points adrift and kept our distance from Roma,” the defender told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.
“It wasn’t a great performance and the credit for that goes to Napoli, who are a really strong team. What mattered was winning tonight and channelling our determination. We are happy with the three points.
“We knew Napoli couldn’t press us all over the field for the entire 90 minutes, so we waited for the right moment to punish them and find those extra spaces.
“Our performances have to improve, but if we continue with this grit and determination, we can go far. Every match is important in its own way and every time we step on to the field, our objective must be to win.
“We want to be at the top in Italy and in Europe. We want to win and this is the right attitude.”
When Bonucci scored the opener, he celebrated by making shapes with his fingers of M, L and M.
“My celebration was important to me, as it has been a tough time. I thank my son, my wife, my parents and all those who were close to me," he said after his youngest son Matteo went through serious health problems.
“The goal was dedicated to my son Matteo and to my wife. I couldn’t wait to get a goal so I could celebrate like this – it was the initials of my two sons and my wife. It was all for them.”
Bonucci had said before kick-off that Higuain should celebrate if he scored against his former club, but Pipita refused.
“I celebrated in Higuain’s place! Gonzalo is a champion and a great person, so if he decided to take that approach, I’m sure he had his reasons.”