Leonardo Bonucci admits he was “surprised” by Max Allegri’s decision to leave him out of the Juventus XI against his old club Milan.
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Leonardo Bonucci admits he was “surprised” by Max Allegri’s decision to leave him out of the Juventus XI against his old club Milan.
It kicks off at 19.30 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
You can watch this game LIVE in the UK and Ireland on Eleven Sports. Click here to watch NOW.
“To be honest, I was surprised too yesterday when the Coach gave the line-up,” Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia.
There were reports in La Stampa today that Bonucci himself had asked to be left out in order to avoid the jeering of the San Siro crowd.
“Anyone who knows me is aware that I’d never hold back faced with a game like this. If anything, these are the matches that bring the best out of me.
“However, it is a decision and part of the squad rotation, as I had played nine in a row from the start. I’d be happy to play 10 or 11 in a row, but there are 60 matches in a season and Juventus are fortunate enough to have many great defenders ready to step in when needed.
“Obviously, I would’ve liked to play, but the interests of the team come first and we all have to bow to that priority.”
Gennaro Gattuso said in his Press conference yesterday that Milan ought to be grateful for what Bonucci gave them and that it was an honour to be his Coach.
“Those words really fill me with pride, both as a player and a man. I think that was recognised in Rino’s words, as he knows what I tried to bring to the club.
“Of course, everyone knows what happened over the summer, as I chose to return home because there are priorities. Turin and Juventus are my home and my family is happy in Turin.”