Leonardo Bonucci returns positive Covid-19 test after Italy duty
By Ross Jackson
Veteran Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has tested positive for coronavirus, and will now need to enter a period of self-isolation.
The 33-year-old recently returned from international duty with Italy, having featured in two of the Azzurri's three 2022 World Cup qualifying matches.
Roberto Mancini's side won both of the games Bonucci took part in - recording 2-0 wins against Northern Ireland and Bulgaria - before notching a third win against Lithuania as Italy kicked off their qualifying campaign in style.
Bonucci was required to take a COVID-19 test upon returning to Turin, and the club released a brief statement via their official website confirming he had returned a positive test.
"Leonardo Bonucci, returning from the retirement of the Italian national team, this morning underwent a diagnostic molecular test for COVID-19 which was positive," the statement read. "The player has already been placed in home isolation."
Juventus only recently welcomed Bonucci back into the fold after a spell out through injury, and that absence saw Alex Sandro - usually a fullback - deployed in central defence in order to fill the void.
With Bonucci now required self-isolate, Pirlo will be without his vice captain for a handful of games - including the potentially crucial clash with Napoli on April 7.
Gennaro Gattuso's side are currently fifth in Serie A, though with just two points separating them and third placed Juventus, the outcome of the Allianz Stadium clash could have a huge bearing on who secures Champions League football next season.
Bonucci's experience could prove vital in the closing stages of the campaign, with Juventus usually running away with Serie A by now. But a disappointing season by their own standards means Inter are likely to usurp them as champions of Italy, while their hopes of being led by Cristiano Ronaldo to a first Champions League crown in 25 years were recently dashed by FC Porto.