Leonardo Bonucci insists Jorginho will remain the first-choice Italy penalty taker against Northern Ireland, but it’s possible they ‘subconsciously lost’ some of their hunger and determination after winning UEFA EURO 2020.
It kicks off on Monday in Belfast at 19.45 GMT.
The Azzurri are joint leaders of the group with Switzerland, ahead only on goal difference, after the 1-1 draw at the Olimpico.
It would’ve been an Italy victory had Jorginho not blasted his last-minute penalty over the bar.
That was his third consecutive error from the spot for Italy, including shoot-outs, and many are now calling for the Chelsea midfielder to leave penalties to Bonucci.
“I was the first to console Jorginho because I just happened to be there,” said Bonucci in his press conference.
“He has taken so many penalties over his career, including very important ones. A mistake can happen to everyone and I will not be the penalty taker tomorrow. We’ll decide at the time if and when a change is needed.”
With Giorgio Chiellini and Alessandro Bastoni out injured, even more pressure lands on Bonucci’s shoulders for the defence in Belfast.
“We’ve got to drag out those qualities we have always had during difficult moments. I think the team will put in a great performance, because it’s what we all want, to bring home an important result.”
Although Italy set a new all-time unbeaten world record of 37 games and won EURO 2020, they have only won two of their last eight games within 90 minutes. Have they become complacent?
“We achieved what we did because we had something different within us. I don’t know if subconsciously we lost some of that after winning the Euros, but tomorrow we have to rediscover it.
“In any case, that moment of history will remain, it is indelible and nobody can take it away from us. Now we need to rediscover our balance and our joy, the desire to sacrifice ourselves for the team.”
LIVE TMW – Italia, Bonucci: “Non sarò io il rigorista. Lo decideremo quando sarà il caso” https://t.co/WpzB1UT4C7
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) November 14, 2021
As an Inter supporter I always get behind the national team but he needs to step out of Giorgio’s shadows and step up to the spot. Forza Inter, Forza Italia.
calm down everybody we went 37 games without a loss then won the euros !!!! of coarse theres gonna be a let down after that.have faith in mancini . the best head coach in any sport in the last 25 years !!!! viva italia !!!! forza azzurri !!!!!