Bonucci admits to Balotelli controversy fears
Source: AFP |
June 20, 2012, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
MARIO Balotelli came off the bench to score the clinching second goal in Italy?s 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland and open his account at the European Championships here.
It was only his second goal in 11 international appearances.
But the lasting image of his moment in the limelight wasn?t the athleticism with which he hooked a volley over his shoulder and past Ireland keeper Shay Given; nor was it his composure and strength in holding off the close attention of John O?Shea, who had almost pulled Balotelli?s shirt clean off his back.
It was instead, in true Balotelli fashion, his reaction to the goal.
Far from expressing joy at his contribution to the victory, the errant and temperamental talent seemed angry and started to shout something in the general direction of his own bench.
Showing the political nous of a seasoned government spin doctor Leonardo Bonucci immediately grabbed the controversial 21-year-old in a celebratory hug and thrust his hand over Balotelli?s mouth.
Speaking after the game, Bonucci then showed footwork worthy of his eccentric teammate to sidestep questions over what exactly was Balotelli?s gripe.
òWhat he said he said in English and I didn?t understand it,ó said the Juventus centre back, who like Balotelli had come on as a substitute.
òI put my hand in front because Mario is instinctive and that?s also his strength.
òWe?d spoken with him before the game and he knew how he should behave.ó
Balotelli had started the first two group matches but came under fire in the media back home for his uninspired performances and failure to score.
It was only his second goal in 11 international appearances.
But the lasting image of his moment in the limelight wasn?t the athleticism with which he hooked a volley over his shoulder and past Ireland keeper Shay Given; nor was it his composure and strength in holding off the close attention of John O?Shea, who had almost pulled Balotelli?s shirt clean off his back.
It was instead, in true Balotelli fashion, his reaction to the goal.
Far from expressing joy at his contribution to the victory, the errant and temperamental talent seemed angry and started to shout something in the general direction of his own bench.
Showing the political nous of a seasoned government spin doctor Leonardo Bonucci immediately grabbed the controversial 21-year-old in a celebratory hug and thrust his hand over Balotelli?s mouth.
Speaking after the game, Bonucci then showed footwork worthy of his eccentric teammate to sidestep questions over what exactly was Balotelli?s gripe.
òWhat he said he said in English and I didn?t understand it,ó said the Juventus centre back, who like Balotelli had come on as a substitute.
òI put my hand in front because Mario is instinctive and that?s also his strength.
òWe?d spoken with him before the game and he knew how he should behave.ó
Balotelli had started the first two group matches but came under fire in the media back home for his uninspired performances and failure to score.
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