Leonardo Bonucci trusts Italy “has talent coming through and can only get stronger,” but warned against media focus on Mario Balotelli.
The Azzurri were beaten 3-1 by France in this evening’s friendly with an experimental side including three debutants in the starting XI.
“We must learn from our errors, as we held out well and with a little more determination and focus, we could’ve done better,” Bonucci told Rai Sport.
Leonardo Bonucci trusts Italy “has talent coming through and can only get stronger,” but warned against media focus on Mario Balotelli.
The Azzurri were beaten 3-1 by France in this evening’s friendly with an experimental side including three debutants in the starting XI.
“We must learn from our errors, as we held out well and with a little more determination and focus, we could’ve done better,” Bonucci told Rai Sport.
The captain scored the consolation goal, firing in the rebound after Hugo Lloris parried a Balotelli free kick.
“We had already agreed on the free kick, that Pellegrini was meant to take the second, but then we organised for me to cover the goalkeeper’s view until the last second and then I got the rebound.
“This Nazionale has talent coming through and we can only get stronger. France have enthusiasm and youth, but also a lot of experience with players at top clubs challenging for major honours. I think they are one of the favourites for the World Cup.”
When asked again about Balotelli’s performance, only his second in the last four years for Italy, Bonucci fired out a warning to the media.
“Enough questions about Balotelli, enough! He makes mistakes like everyone else, he scores goals like everyone else, he is working hard, he has gained experience and came here with the right attitude, but enough talking about Balotelli.
“We are a team, we mustn’t put too much pressure on him, nor minimise the impact of all the other players.”