Bonucci's emotional match with Union in Naples
The Champions League match at SSC Napoli will be no ordinary game for Union Berlin's Leonardo Bonucci. The 36-year-old European champion moved from Serie A side Juventus Turin to the Bundesliga club before the season. "Playing for an Italian in Italy is always something emotional," said the defender on Tuesday evening at the press conference for this Wednesday's match (18:45/DAZN). Even though he did not play in the 1-0 defeat in the first leg in the capital, he warned of the strengths of last season's champions from his experience in the Italian league.
"I was lucky enough to play against Napoli for many years. I've seen how the team has improved. They deserve respect. They also showed their quality in the game against us: one chance, one goal," Bonucci emphasized. The club, after whose most famous professional Diego Armando Maradona the stadium is named, are second in Group C behind Real (9) with six points ahead of the game. SC Braga are third with three points, while Union are bottom with no points.
Even worse from the Berliners' point of view: Union have lost their last twelve games in all competitions and are in the relegation battle in the Bundesliga after being knocked out of the DFB Cup. "We didn't expect that," admitted Bonucci. However, the Irons do not want to give up on the game, which will be attended by around 2,500 fans from the capital. "We have to play for ourselves and our fans. We're here with Union Berlin to win the game and try to stop the negative trend."
They will do everything they can to try and pick up points, coach Urs Fischer also promised. He expects the hosts to "step on the gas from the start". His team must also be courageous. However, if they lose again, the knockout phase will be out of reach for Union after four defeats in the first four group games - something that has never happened to a German team before.
Bonucci mentioned his past experiences playing against Napoli, highlighting their improvements and the respect they deserve due to their quality and the single goal they scored in their previous encounter. Despite Union Berlin's current struggles, Bonucci and the team are determined to play for themselves and their fans, aiming to end their 12-game losing streak and turn around their fortunes in the Champions League, even if champions league match against 1st FC Union Berlin at SSC Napoli might prove to be challenging as Napoli is currently second in Group C behind Real Madrid.
Source: www.dpa.com
