Even though they are current European champions, Italy will have to go through play-off matches in order to qualify for the World Cup 2022. Nerroazuri suffered a hangover since they triumphed at Wembley in July, as the combination of injuries and some unexpected draws left them in second place in the group stage. And now they have been handed a tough draw because if they win against North Macedonia as expected, they will face the toughest opponent – former European champions Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo. Gianluigi Buffon: Juventus lost their team DNA because of RonaldoSo for the Italians, it’s the playoffs again – the same stage they lost to Sweden in 2017 and failed to qualify for the last World Cup. And it seems that Turkey will not make a sensation and knock out Portugal, so two great nations will be forced to battle for the final spot. And Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci is already looking ahead of the possible clash with his former teammate. “I spoke to Cristiano Ronaldo and we joked about a possible Portugal vs Italy match. 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. We must forget the past and focus on what’s coming next, What happened in October will serve as a lesson to us. I want to make a present for my sons because they’ve never seen Italy play at the World Cup” Bonucci told Rai Sport as quoted by SportMediaset.Are you joking? Four Four Two published their Top 50 coaches list and it’s hilariousBonucci 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 this past August. But it seems they will meet again soon.
