Leonardo Bonucci warns Cristiano Ronaldo ‘will suffer blows’ if Italy and Portugal meet in the World Cup play-offs in March.
The Azzurri will face North Macedonia in the World Cup play-offs semi-finals in March and could meet Turkey or Portugal in the Final.
“I spoke to Cristiano Ronaldo and we joked about the possible Portugal vs Italy match,” Bonucci told Rai Sport as quoted by SportMediaset.
“We’ll see what happens on the pitch, Cristiano knows he will suffer some blows.
“We have to concentrate on what we will do on the pitch, then in March we will meet again and I am convinced that we will play two great matches.”
Italy failed to win their World Cup qualification group, finishing second behind Switzerland.
“We must forget the past and focus on what’s coming next,” the defender continued.
“What happened in October will serve as a lesson to us.
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“I want to make a present for my sons because they’ve never seen Italy play at the World Cup,” Bonucci concluded.
Bonucci and Ronaldo spent three years together at Juventus. The Italian defender returned to Turin in 2018, after a one-year spell at Milan.
The 34-year-old has played 463 games in a Bianconeri shirt, scoring 31 goals. He’s won 17 trophies at the Allianz Stadium, including eight Serie A titles.
Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in a €14m deal plus €8m add-ons this past August.
Italy coach Roberto Mancini spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport, saying that he is not yet thinking about Portugal as he is aware the Azzurri must beat North Macedonia first.
Italia, Bonucci: "Spareggio Mondiale? Ho sentito Ronaldo, lo sa che le prende…" #SportMediaset https://t.co/C9l1C6waN5 pic.twitter.com/AHF8a5KI5J
— SportMediaset.it (@sportmediaset) December 26, 2021
Really smart
Let everyone know that you plan to foul him intentionally.
Italy has done everything possible to not qualify for this WC.
Amazing
This guy continues to talk very smart . Ronaldo is going to run a train on bonucci if they meet . Beat n Macedonia first before you talk . No way we beat Portugal on their turf with these clowns
At first, I too didn’t like reading this but clearly he said that the two of them were joking about it over a phonecall. Context matter here.
But by and large, between Allegri, Chiellini, Bonucci, and last week Buffon, these guys need to stop mentioning Ronaldo even when asked. Journalists are going to do their bit but these guys need to be smart.
Even if this one was not overly bad, you can clearly see how the media has twisted it (ie; UK’s dailymail, for example)
Mike and Stefano, if you read what Leo said it was a friendly joke between 2 ex teammates. Nothing more. Do I like what he said, not really. Will it make a difference not at all. No need to call them clowns etc as this is the team we support. It boggles my mind how the insults come in to our players not warranted. Leo is a fantastic defender and one of the best at the moment. Wonder if Chiellini said the same thing (jokingly) if the reaction would be different. Italy just need to score some freaking goals as clearly we can defend. Forza Azzurri