Italy, Bonucci defends accusations of simulation against Karapetyan

A central figure in the controversial sending off handed to Karapetyan during Armenia and Italy's match last week, Leonardo Bonucci has been accused of elaborating contact in an aerial duel between the two players. The Armenia forward took to Instagram to state his objections: "I respect the career he has had, but this is an outrage."

Bonucci then responded, speaking to Sky Sport: "I'm upset that Karapetyan was sent off for that, but I wasn't intending to decieve. The images show that I didn't protest, I didn't even realize he had already been cautioned. I had a blow around my eyebrow, and when we jumped together, my gesture was only to protect myself."