Leonardo Bonucci praises Bulgaria goalkeeper Georgi Georgiev and claims Italy showed the ‘right spirit.’
Italy were held to a 1-1 draw by Bulgaria in a World Cup Qualifier. It was Italy’s first game since the UEFA Euro 2020 Final at Wembley Stadium.
“It was a difficult game, we knew they would sit deep and defend well. We created the chances to win the game, but we were too inaccurate and hasty. We are sorry, we really wanted to celebrate with our fans,” Bonucci, who was awarded for his 100th appearance with the Azzurri, told Rai Sport.
World Cup Qualifiers: Italy held by Bulgaria, but Azzurri equal Spain and Brazil record
“We take a point home and we prepare Sunday’s game. We must win every match, but we played a good game. We didn’t concede a shot on target in the second half and their goalkeeper made some great saves. Now we must win in Switzerland.”
Italy are the Group C leaders with 10 points in four games. They face second-placed Switzerland in Basel on Sunday. The Azzurri’s next opponents have six points in the table, but with two games in hand.
Important game now against Switzerland. If Italy are not careful and improve on their flat performance tonight, they could risk losing their unbeaten run against a dangerous Switzerland team playing at home. Also could risk missing out World Cup for 2nd time in a row. Very small margins between success and crashing down to earth. They need more cutting edge, penetration and quality in the final 3rd. All of these was missing badly tonight. Bulgaria played well to frustrate Italy. It will be harder for Italy now as European champions as teams are more motivated against Italy and are harder to break down
Agree with @SE
Good thing is Switz won’t park the bus like Bulgaria so more spaces upfront .. just no stupid mistakes at back and b more clinical.
Why Locatelli was not in squad?? Next match Pellegrini should start or atleast brought in much earlier. Verratti holds on to the ball a lot. Florenzi should be replaced .. but will Calabria be started in crucial match having not played much at this level?? Anyways .. Come on Ragazzi .. Forza Azzurri 🇮🇹👍👊💙🍀