Juventus defender Bonucci: Italy need to rediscover joy and unity | OneFootball

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci urged calm after Italy's 0-0 draw in Northern Ireland.

The result forces Italy into the March playoffs for a place in next year's World Cup.

"My first thought is for March. There's nothing else to do, just look ahead to March with a difficult first match and hopefully another three days later," Bonucci told RAI Sport.

“We need to recharge the batteries, both physical and mental, rediscovering the determination and joy in our football that we had at the Euros. We played football with the joy of doing it and not the pressure of having to prove something. Perhaps becoming Champions of Europe has unconsciously changed something there.

“We need to take that pressure off and play with freedom, otherwise we second-guess ourselves.

“I am convinced that if we rediscover that joy, the unity as a team, we will not only go to the World Cup, but we will have a great World Cup."