Juventus and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci has insisted that comments made from West Ham star Declan Rice during the European Champions inspired the Azzuri.
The 34-year-old was part of Roberto Mancini’s side that overcame the Three Lions on penalties in July at Wembley.
Speaking to The Athletic, as cited on Twitter, Bonucci claimed that Rice’s words helped motivate the Italians.
We didn’t pay much attention to it until the Spain game. Then the anger inside of us began to mount. We wanted to show them that the final hadn’t already been decided. That they hadn’t already won. Hearing that song on repeat and the comment from Declan Rice saying England were 10 times more motivated to win than us… well, they’re the kind of mistakes young players make. You don’t say that. You should never say you want something more than somebody else or you’re better than somebody else.
The 111 times capped veteran was certainly spurred on by the 22-year-old’s words.
During the final Bonucci earned the outstanding Sofascore rating of 8.20 whilst also grabbing the all-important equaliser.
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We live and learn I guess.
Rice was simply riding the crest of a wave, not unlike the rest of the buoyant nation.
Potentially caught up in the moment and the joyous mood, the young Hammer will no doubt take heed from someone with Bonucci’s experience and class.
