Bonucci: ‘Italy had England under control’

Leonardo Bonucci says Italy showed ‘pride, heart and courage, creating far more chances’ in the win over England, so topping the Nations League group would ‘show this team is really growing.’

The Juventus defender provided the assist for Giacomo Raspadori, floating a trademark ball over the top for the Napoli striker to control, cut inside his man and curl into the corner from just inside the penalty area.

“I told Jack to attack the space, as I can do that pass quite well, so we made the most of the situation,” Bonucci told RAI Sport.

“I have to say the support from the crowd was very important today. They asked us to show pride, heart and courage, so that’s what we did, creating far more chances to score than England.

“With this approach, we can continue to grow. It was a good start, we got a little too deep later, but generally had the game under control and only ran a risk right at the end.

“We know what we need to work on, keeping the team tight, but I think the side deserves applause this evening.”

This 1-0 result means the Azzurri can still win the Nations League group with Monday’s final trip to leaders Hungary, who this evening earned a surprise 1-0 victory away to Germany.

Winning the group would allow them to play the Final Four tournament, while England have already been relegated in bottom place.

“We are going to Hungary in order to challenge for a first place that, if we achieved it, would show this squad is really growing. Of course, nothing can give us back that place in the World Cup, but it would still be a boost going forward.”