Leonardo Bonucci celebrates his 100th Italy cap and look back over his Azzurri career, fondest moment and what the future holds for the Nazionale.
The 2-0 win over Northern Ireland was his 100th senior appearance in the Italy jersey.
“My whole Azzurri career passed before my eyes and I must admit that I was really emotional against Northern Ireland the other night,” Bonucci told the official Italy social media account.
Leonardo Bonucci celebrates his 100th Italy cap and look back over his Azzurri career, fondest moment and what the future holds for the Nazionale.
The 2-0 win over Northern Ireland was his 100th senior appearance in the Italy jersey.
“My whole Azzurri career passed before my eyes and I must admit that I was really emotional against Northern Ireland the other night,” Bonucci told the official Italy social media account.
“It’s impossible to forget my debut, March 3 2010 in Monte Carlo, wearing Number 2 with my hand bandaged. I must admit, I felt more emotional at the 100th game than the first, even though playing alongside Fabio Cannavaro was pretty special.”
The Juventus defender also looked back over his first Italy goal and his greatest moment.
“The penalty against Manuel Neuer and Germany during Euro 2016 was the most special, because when it went in, I felt liberated. I knew how important that penalty was.
“It didn’t end well, but that remains one of my fondest memories.”
Italy are now unbeaten in two years and 23 games, so Bonucci still hopes to win silverware for his country.
“I expect great things in future, because Italy suffered through a bad page of history by failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, so this group and the Italian people deserve it. We want to make up for it.
“There’s the Euros, then the Nations League and 2022 World Cup. We want Italy to be loved and respected again.”
questions for @bonucci_leo19 #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/SVrMId0djR
— Italy (@azzurri) March 27, 2021