28 February 2016
After two consecutive draws to Bologna and Bayern Munich respectively, tasting victory was the top priority against Inter on Sunday evening and, triggered by Leonardo Bonucci’s 47th minute opener, one Juventus managed to achieve.
Speaking to the media straight after the final whistle, the defender began: “We wanted to win regardless of the opposition we were up against. Two draws in a row were too many and we knew that triumphing tonight would send out an important signal to our title rivals.”
The result puts the Bianconeri four points ahead of second-placed Napoli ahead of their fixture tomorrow against Fiorentina, but Bonucci stressed that successes such as Sunday’s would lose their significance if they do not eventually lead to title honours.
The 28-year-old emphasised his and the side’s focus now shifted immediately to their midweek Coppa Italia clash against the same opposition, with a final berth at stake.
“The points we’ve gained will only mean something if and when we reach our objectives. We need to keep going.
“We’re now focused on Wednesday. They’ll be looking for a response after today and we need to start the match stronger than they do.”
Asked to describe his goal, one that had the all the hallmarks of a striker’s finish, with accuracy and awareness in abundance, Bonucci concluded: “I saw the ball fly up into my path and I just tried to catch it sweetly. I was lucky not to hit (Samir) Handanovic.”
