Veteran Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has tested positive for coronavirus and will now have to enter a period of self-isolation.
The 33-year-old recently returned from international service with Italy after playing in two of Azzurri’s three World Cup qualifiers in 2022.
Leonardo Bonucci has returned from international service with coronavirus | Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Roberto Mancini’s side won both of Bonucci’s matches – recorded 2-0 victories against Northern Ireland and Bulgaria – before winning a third victory against Lithuania when Italy started their qualifying campaign in style.
Bonucci had to take a COVID-19 test when he returned to Turin, and the club released a brief statement via their official website confirming that he had returned a positive test.
“Leonardo Bonucci, who returned from retirement for the Italian national team, underwent a positive diagnostic molecular test for COVID-19 this morning,” the statement read. “The player has already been placed in home isolation.”
Juventus recently welcomed Bonucci back this week after a spell through injury, and that absence saw Alex Sandro – usually a fullback – deployed in central defense to fill the void.
Andrea Pirlo has been forced to mix in his package due to recently injured defense problems Valerio Pennicino / Getty Images
With Bonucci now required self-isolation, Pirlo will be without his vice-captain for a handful of games – including the potentially crucial conflict with Napoli on April 7.
Gennaro Gattuso’s side are currently fifth in Serie A, but with just two points separating them and third-placed Juventus, the outcome of the Allianz Stadium clash could have a big impact on who secures Champions League football next season.
Bonucci’s experience may prove crucial in the final stages of the campaign, with Juventus usually escaping with Serie A now. But a disappointing season by their own standards means that Inter are likely to take on them as champions of Italy, while their hopes of being led by Cristiano Ronaldo to a first Champions League crown in 25 years were recently lost by FC Porto.
