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.