Leonardo Bonucci has jumped to Cristiano Ronaldo’s defense after the former Real Madrid star hit the post on the 16 minute mark in a match against a depleted AC Milan side in Turin.
The Bianconeri managed to book a place in the final of the Coppa Italia after being held to a goalless score having managed a 1-1 draw in the initial fixture of the two legged affair.
With Ronaldo failing to impress on his return to action, Juventus teammate Leonardo Bonucci has come to his defense in a post-match interview.
Bonucci told Rai Sport: ‘Even the greatest miss (penalties). Cristiano is always important for us.
‘He increases the pressure on opponents’ defenders. He was unfortunate today and (AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi) Donnarumma did well.
‘We’ll see a great Juventus and a great Ronaldo again.’
Despite his poor showing in the second-leg, the Portuguese was one of the heroes of the tie clinching the vital away goal via a penalty kick which eventually helped Juventus into the final.
Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri also backed Ronaldo after the game. He said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Juventus will face the winner of the encounter between Napoli and Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia final in Rome on June 17.
