Leonardo Bonucci concedes failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup “is a black mark that will never be wiped away. It was catastrophic.”
The Azzurri host Portugal this evening at San Siro for the Nations League at 19.45 GMT.
This is the first time Italy have been in Milan since the 0-0 play-off draw with Sweden in November 2017, which ruled them out of the World Cup, 1-0 on aggregate.
“It’s a black mark that will never be wiped away from the career of a player,” Bonucci told Eleven Sports.
“Not going to the World Cup for the Italian Nazionale is truly something catastrophic. That’s the way I experienced it.”
Italians hadn’t missed out on the tournament since 1958.
“It would’ve been nice to experience the World Cup with so many young players ready to carry their enthusiasm with them.
“Now there’s no point going back over it, the important thing is to get back on track the way we have done under Roberto Mancini. We’ve made changes on the pitch, now we hope FIGC President Gabriele Gravina can make a big step forward off the field too.”
WasimRaz
0
Obviously..
spsb98154
1
So Bonnuci will be dreamed of winning UCL to take the revenge for not qualifying for WC. Yeah! surely Juve is best contender to win UCL this season.
thelilthug
0
AND COACH SHOULD BE BLAMED FOR THAT, NOT PLAYERS
vasbikstz
2
it was managers fault .but also players on pitch responsible for missing out .if you fail you fail together . play with your heads and 100 percent commitment .
Dusabdmor
1
Bonucci it is not black mark.,it is white mark,bcuz their was no black in your squad at time.
Jamaioru
3
Black is gift from God so being black is not sin.
AhmedNabuhaan
3
One of the best ball playing defenders in the world right now!!
opldmkk
1
legend with blue heart
Robinsonde
1
Worst moment in Italian football for some time?
virginK
0
What a disaster that was
Lozenges
1
Completely the managers fault.
Oraclea
1
*cries in Italian*
Yvetteharris
0
Still shocked about that
Yamahai
0
They'll be back with a vengeance.
makejin
2
Italy still the best
aosasuna
0
Going through France, Netherlands, Italy and Germany to reach the World Cup’s quarterfinal, Sweden should be very proud of their accomplishment.