Leonardo Bonucci fought back tears as he said Italy “went toe to toe with the World Cup winners” Germany at Euro 2016.
The Juventus defender had converted a penalty to force extra time in the 1-1 draw, but the Azzurri eventually went out in a sudden death shoot-out for the Euro 2016 quarter-final.
Leonardo Bonucci fought back tears as he said Italy “went toe to toe with the World Cup winners” Germany at Euro 2016.
The Juventus defender had converted a penalty to force extra time in the 1-1 draw, but the Azzurri eventually went out in a sudden death shoot-out for the Euro 2016 quarter-final.
“We had said at the start of this adventure that if we went out, we had to do it with heads held high. I think that over 120 minutes this Nazionale went toe-to-toe with the World Cup winners,” a visibly emotional Bonucci told Rai Sport.
“Going out always hurts, but these men, from the Coach and President to every player, were great men. We put our heart on to the pitch in every game and every training session.
“I want to thank the Italians, as they were close to us and gave us a lot of enthusiasm. We hope to have made them proud.
“In these competitions you have to be a group and we knew it was the only way to have our say. We beat Belgium, Spain and Sweden, then drew with the World Champions.
“I want to applaud everyone who worked with this fantastic side over the last two years. Unfortunately the penalties are a lottery, they made one fewer mistake than us.
“I am proud to have been a part of this team. Conte was sad about the defeat, but thanked the men he worked with.”