‘Italians don't joke' – Moment Leonardo Bonucci wipes out Steph Houghton with crunching tackle at Soccer Aid
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FOOTIE fans were left stunned by Leonardo Bonucci's brutal tackle on Steph Houghton.
The Euro 2020 winner lined up for the World XI in last Sunday evening's Soccer Aid match against England at Old Trafford.
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Leoardo Bonucci was in Soccer Aid action for the World XI
Credit: REUTERS
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The former Juventus and Italy star didn't hold back when he tackled Steph Houghton
Credit: GETTY
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The 38-year-old sent the former Lionesses star to the turf with a stiff challenge
Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK
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The Italian's tough tackle went viral
Credit: GETTY
The recently retired Italian never missed an opportunity to stick a crunching challenge on his opponents during his trophy-laden career.
And his all-nothing mantra resulted in him leaving former Lionesses star Houghton in a heap during the charity clash at the Theatre of Dreams.
The 38-year-old wiped out Houghton as she looked to get on the end of a ball played down the wing.
Bonucci got the ball, but his follow-through sent Houghton crashing into the turf.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
'I heard it go' Tony Bellew forced off with nasty injury just five minutes into Soccer Aid
The tackle, understandably, went viral and footie fans took to social media to express their shock.
One wrote on X: "He took her out."
Another said: "Italians don't joke with football."
And another said: "He took the ball off her professionally, that's not a foul from Bonucci."
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Steph Houghton was all smiles with Leonardo Bonucci after the match
Credit: INSTAGRAM@BONUCCILEO19
One remarked: "That's holding back for Bonucci."
Another chimed: "Italians love defending. Good tackle."
Tony Bellew forced off FIVE MINUTES into Soccer Aid and helped down Old Trafford tunnel
Women's Euro 2022 winner Houghton recovered from the crunching challenge and continued playing.
And there was clearly no ill will towards Bonucci as she embraced her fellow retired defender after the match.
Bonucci shared a photo of himself with his arm around Houghton after the match on his Instagram story with the accompanying caption: "She's still alive!!!"
Houghton saw the funny side of the post and reshared it to her own story, writing: "My guy."
The World XI bested England 5-4 thanks to FOUR GOALS from Carlos Tevez and a shock winner from Big Zuu.
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