Leonardo Bonucci discussed the difficult nature of Italy’s absence from the World Cup and the path ahead for the Azzurri.
The qualification play-off loss to North Macedonia earlier this year sealed Italy’s fate and left them facing their second consecutive World Cup absence, an incredibly bitter pill to swallow for Roberto Mancini and his players. The Azzurri are now working on bringing in some fresh blood ahead of their next major tournament, likely to be Euro 2024.
Speaking in a press conference, Bonucci first discussed the team spirit present in the Azzurri squad.
“There is a sense of belonging in this team. We went through a stressful period both mentally and physically, there were a few too many injuries.
“I’ve been on the national team for 12 years and I can hardly remember a teammate of mine who said he didn’t want to be on the national team, the sense of belonging is there from everyone.”
He commented on his mindset heading into the two friendlies and what he said to his Brazilian teammates at Juventus.
“I’m coming back with the same enthusiasm as always. Being here is a pride, a pleasure, and being at the coach’s disposal fills me with joy.
“As long as the coach sees fit to call me I will be there. For the rest I wished good luck to everyone, I told the Argentinians and Brazilians that I want to see them as late as possible.”
The Bianconeri defender spoke about the growth of Albania since 2017.
“We were talking about it on the bus journey. Now they have more talent and more experience. We know that tomorrow’s match will be a difficult one.”
Bonucci discussed how he prepares for these two friendlies as Italy captain whilst his club teammates gear up for the World Cup.
“A week ago one of my teammates asked me how I was doing on this very subject. I told him that it’s true, there’s sorrow, but the only thing we can do is to build a great present and future.
“Football, like life, always puts before us the chance to start again, with a view to Euro 2024 and in the case of my younger colleagues the World Cup in 2026.
“I try to get this message across, at all times there is a chance to build a great future. Only by being united since March can we start again.”
Finally, Bonucci discussed Cristiano Ronaldo’s ongoing situation with Manchester United and who he’ll be rooting for at the World Cup.
“On Cristiano I say that I was sorry to read this situation, it is never easy to be in a system where certain things happen. But I can’t go into it, I don’t know what happened.
“I spent important years with him, he is a great person and in these competitions something more always comes out of him.
“For me Argentina and Brazil are among the favourites, I have teammates in these national teams and I will root for them because they are special guys and great players. I told them that the final will be Brazil-Argentina, we will see if it will happen.”
Will have to beat England again and try not to get beat by North Macedonia like some nightmare that repeats itself.
First part is no problem. Second, so-so.