Why did bonucci

The hyperbolic pearl-clutching from some over the booing of national anthems descended into dizzying boredom at times over the past week. However, a glance at Bonucci as he and his teammates gave their climactic roar before the game showed that maybe they had a point, even if it was not the point they were trying to make.

Even the fastest goal ever scored in a European Championship final could not dent his spirit. So to penalties. While Andrea Belotti faltered, Bonucci delivered just as he did against Spain, slotting past an imperious Jordan Pickford. Then Bukayo Saka stepped up and, well, you know the rest. That is all. EURO pic. The Argentinian was a beloved figure among match-going Bianconeri supporters, while many also lamented the loss of the year-old defender. They're probably not smart moves long term, but if come June they lift football's most prestigious club trophy, who cares?

While some fans most certainly do, there are still those who back Bonucci and believe—as Tighe does—he can play a major role in helping end the Old Lady's year wait for European glory. He was of course referring to the defeat that almost cost them the title, while the same fan also remembers Bonucci going to sit with the club's hardcore fans when he was suspended for a game against Empoli two years ago. He's Juventino, end of story," Zaccaria added emphatically. He knows he messed up, and sometimes it takes a bigger man to admit that and go back.

However, others are not quite so forgiving, as fellow fan Tino Persia explained. But then seeing Gonzalo Higuain kiss the Juve badge as he left, I'd have him back any time.

I think it's all about how you leave that gives value to any return. At the club he leaves behind, Milan fans were somewhat more forgiving, aware that while losing Bonucci might harm their hopes in the immediate future, pairing Caldara with standout defender Alessio Romagnoli 23 gives them a long-term solution at the back.

Higuain, meanwhile, almost guarantees goals. Milan's problem wasn't defence under [Gennaro] Gattuso, it was goals. With or without Bonucci, that won't make any difference. He's also a necessary sacrifice in getting Higuain, and I'd rather have a goalscorer that we know has form in the Italian game over a defender that caused trouble at Juve in the past. By January, the defender already seemed to be thinking twice about his decision to leave the stability of Turin for the chaos of Milan.

Worse, Bonucci seemed traumatised at the prospect of his previously immaculate legacy at Juventus being tarnished. He was shocked and hurt, then, by the vicious reception he was afforded by the supporters who used to sing his name when he returned to the Allianz Stadium with Milan in April — compounding the situation by celebrating exuberantly after scoring the 28th minute. But there should always be a minimum level of respect. Allegri, despite an often-fractious relationship with the defender, is likely to have viewed his return as a no-brainer for its promise of a world-class centre-back already familiar with the system and its players.