Former Italy international and Juventus legend Leonardo Bonucci has identified Duvan Zapata as his toughest opponent, diverging from the expected choices of Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi in a surprising revelation.
Now 37 and retired, Bonucci reflected on his illustrious career, which included battles against many footballing greats, including both Ronaldo—his teammate during a three-year stint at Juventus—and Messi. However, it was Zapata, who currently plays for Torino after a notable tenure at Atalanta, that kept Bonucci awake at night before matches.
"The one that hit me the most and the one I had more fun with was Luis Suarez because he hit and got hit without any problem. My nightmare, who didn't make me sleep at night, was Zapata. God, before games against his Atalanta side, I couldn't sleep at night. His power and physicality made him my nightmare," Bonucci shared during an appearance on Sky Calcio Club.
Bonucci went on to express his gratitude for the opportunity to face many champions throughout his career, including Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, and, of course, the iconic duo of Ronaldo and Messi. His comments highlight the often-unexpected challenges athletes face, proving that even the greatest defenders can find themselves haunted by a particular rival's prowess.
