Leonardo Bonucci Subtly Claims He Doesn’t Know Ivan Toney’s Name Ahead of Their Nations League Clash

• Leonardo Bonucci has claimed that he doesn't know Ivan Toney's name as England prepares to play Italy in the Nations League
• However, the experienced defender said that he had to go through videos of Toney to understand his game and believes the England striker is talented
• Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup but won the Euro 2020 last year, beating the Three Lions

Italy veteran defender Leonardo Bonucci has bizarrely said that he doesn't know Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney's name, ahead of Italy's and England's showdown in the Nations League.

The two teams met last year in the Euro 2020 final, but the Three Lions agonizingly lost on penalties.

Bonucci doesn't know Toney's name

Juventus and Italy defender Bonucci reacted strangely when asked about Ivan Toney, according to The Sun.

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Toney was called up to England's squad but is not expected to feature in England's match against the Azzuri tonight. Despite catapulting Brentford to the upper echelons of English football, Toney is yet to become a household name like fellow Englishman Harry Kane.

And the new one? We will see. I watched some videos about him over these last few days and he is very talented. In England they have a great advantage as they have real talent, thanks to the courage of Premier League clubs to make them play.

The defender said he had to rely on footage to really understand how the Bees striker plays in case he has to come up against Toney. The 35-year-old however, heaped praise on Kane, saying he is one of the best strikers in the game.

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With Kane, we played many matches against each other. I believe he is a great striker and among the best in the world.

Italy failed to qualify for the second World Cup in a row and sits third in the A3 group, two points from the top with two games to play. Therefore, they can still qualify for the semis of the tournament.

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Southgate insisted that the 29-year-old defender remains an important piece for his team and his qualities and experience add so much value to the side. He strongly hinted that Maguire will start at the World Cup in Qatar.