Cristiano Ronaldo: Leonardo Bonucci defends Juventus star after penalty miss against AC Milan
The Portuguese struck a post in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final with the Old Lady advancing on away goals to next week's final
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Your support makes all the difference.Leonardo Bonucci insists “even the greatest miss penalties” after Cristiano Ronaldo endured a difficult return in the goalless draw between Juventus and AC Milan.
The Old Lady advanced on away goals after a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final and will now play in next week’s final.
The Portuguese superstar stepped up in the 16th minute at a spectator-less Allianz Stadium, but the post denied the 35-year-old a scoring return as Italian football resumed following its suspension due to Covid-19.
“Even the greatest miss,” Bonucci told Rai Sport. “Cristiano is always important for us.
“He increases the pressure on opponents’ defenders. “He was unfortunate today and [Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi] Donnarumma did well. We’ll see a great Juventus and a great Ronaldo again."
Juve could not break down the Rossoneri despite Ante Rebic’s red card in the 16th minute, but Maurizio Sarri was satisfied and also defended Ronaldo’s performance.
“I asked Ronaldo to take a more central role, he was pleased to try it out and he played the game he needed to at this moment,” Sarri said.
“He probably isn’t accustomed to missing a penalty, so hitting the inside of the post it could go anywhere and he was unlucky.
“I don’t think playing him a few metres more one way or another is going to make a huge difference to such a strong player. Everyone had a strong opening 30 minutes and then faded away.”
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