'I was genuinely afraid'

I played Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane but I couldn’t sleep before facing little-known World Cup star

Shock pick has not played in the Champions League since 2021 but scored against Manchester United

By Jack Dracos

17th October 2024, 3:44 pm

Updated: 17th October 2024, 3:45 pm

Cristiano Ronaldo nods in agreement as Bonucci lays into him and 's***' Juventus team-mates in dressing room rant

LEONARDO BONUCCI faced some of the football greats during his career including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – but he feared a lesser known star the most.

The Italian defender hung up his boots at Fenerbahce at the end of last season after serving Juventus for 12 seasons, and now, aged 37, has looked back at his toughest-ever opponents.

Getty

Leonardo Bonucci has named his toughest opponent

AFP

He played with and against Cristiano Ronaldo

And he gave a surprise name at the top of his list.

Bonucci dreaded games against a certain former Atalanta forward.

After competing against legends of the game such as serial trophy winners Messi and Ronaldo, it’s Torino star striker Duvan Zapata that gave him “nightmares”.

Bonucci told Sky Sports Italy: “I have played against Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and many others.

“But I was genuinely afraid of Duvan Zapata.

“Before games against Atalanta, I couldn’t sleep at night.

“Zapata’s power and physicality made him my nightmare.”

Like Bonucci, Zapata has spent most of his career in Italy.

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The Colombian signed for Napoli in 2013, going on loan to Udinese and Sampdoria during his development.

He signed for Sampdoria, which led to a loan and then a full-time switch to Atalanta where he dominated defenders.

Cristiano Ronaldo ABSOLUTELY FUMING as he storms off pitch after Portugal draw with Scotland_1

Scoring 82 and assisting 43 in 191 appearances, he proved a consistent performer and clearly played a key role in Atalanta’s success.

And Zapata’s goal record against Juventus shows just how much he struck terror into one of Italy’s legendary defenders.

He notched up eight goals against the Old Lady – including one where he brushed off Bonucci to fire home in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Now 33, Zapata signed for Torino on loan in 2023, before joining permanently this summer.

Bonucci, meanwhile, made a humongous 502 appearances for Juventus as well as 51 for AC Milan, winning 9 Serie A titles, as well as five Italian cups along the way.

He also starred for Italy, earning 121 caps for his country and winning Euro 2020 after defeating England on penalties at Wembley.