Leonardo Bonucci has branded the World Cup qualification course of ‘absurd’ following Italy’s elimination following a one-leg playoff defeat to North Macedonia.
After ending second of their group, Gli Azzurri had been pushed to the playoffs and seemed to be heading for a one-match shootout with Portugal for a spot within the showpiece occasion in Qatar.
Nevertheless, they had been eradicated from the playoffs as a second-half stoppage-time purpose by Aleksandar Trajkovski gave North Macedonia a shocking 1-0 victory.
Bonucci – who didn’t seem within the recreation – criticized the selection to make use of one-legged playoff video games for this qualification spherical.
“We performed a one-off match which is an absurd format. Sadly, it was determined to be like this however that is a loopy choice,” he stated.
“There are nationwide groups certified in different conferences the place they misplaced 4 or 5 video games. In the meantime, we’re out for conceding a 92nd-minute purpose within the first match we lose at dwelling. It is actually loopy this new method.”
“This is not an excuse although. We should always’ve positively accomplished higher.”
Though Bonucci was important of the brand new playoff system, he omitted to say that Italy had didn’t qualify for the 2018 World Cup below the earlier laws.
Because the defeat, there have been rumors of discontent contained in the Italian camp, with Jorginho, Lorenzo Insigne, and Ciro Motionless all going dwelling amid experiences that they’re contemplating retirement.
One other participant rumored to be on the transfer was Bonucci, however latest rumors recommend that the Juventus defender is prepared to stick with Gli Azzurri.
