Bonucci previews Italy-Germany and reflects on 2016 penalty miss: ‘If I could go back …’ | OneFootball

Leonardo Bonucci expects a ‘good game between two teams who play good football’ when Italy take on Germany over two legs of the Nations League quarter-finals in the March international break, and has revealed what he would change if he could go back to EURO 2016, when he missed a spot-kick in the quarter-final shootout against Die Mannschaft.

Bonucci scored from the penalty spot in regular time against Germany in the EURO 2016 quarter-final, which ended level at 1-1 after extra-time and headed to a penalty shootout, where the former Juventus centre-back was one of four Italy players to miss, along with Simone Zaza, Graziano Pelle and Matteo Darmian.

The penalty in regular time was the first in-game spot-kick that Bonucci had taken in his career, and though he had previous experience in penalty shoot-outs, he was unable to convert past Manuel Neuer at the second time of asking.

BORDEAUX, FRANCE – JULY 02: Leonardo Bonucci of Italy converts the penalty to score his team’s first goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter final match between Germany and Italy at Stade Matmut Atlantique on July 2, 2016 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Bonucci on Italy-Germany and 2016 penalties

Bonucci says that if he had a chance to go back, he would change his run-up in the penalty shoot-out to minimise Neuer’s chances.

“It was the first penalty of my career that I took within the 90 minutes. I think that taking that responsibility helped me make the leap and cement myself on the global stage,” Bonucci said in an interview on the FIGC website. “It was a small personal victory, even if the disappointment of the defeat was greater.

“I decided to change the angle compared to the penalty I took during the game. But the mistake was stuttering in the run-up. If I could go back, I would always go with full power without stopping, to try and minimise Neuer’s (reaction) time.”

BORDEAUX, FRANCE – JULY 02: Leonardo Bonucci of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter final match between Germany and Italy at Stade Matmut Atlantique on July 2, 2016 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Bonucci went on to explain that the 2016 squad was not the best on a technical level, but the leadership of Antonio Conte helped push them on beyond their usual limits.

“On a technical level and in terms of quality, we were not the strongest of national teams, but thanks to the coach, Conte, and his staff, a great group was born. We were a family. There was a common desire to do something historic, and we came close. We forced Germany to change formation to face us, and that was also a small victory.”

Bonucci, who is currently assistant coach of the Italy U20 side, also gave his thoughts ahead of Italy’s upcoming tie against Germany in the Nations League.

“Seeing San Siro full sparks a fire. I am convinced that there will be a lot of fans and they will see a good match between two teams that play good football. There will be a lot of opportunities, the supporters will have fun.”