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Cristiano Ronaldo 'knows he will suffer blows' if Portugal meet Italy in massive World Cup play-off final next year, warns former Juventus team-mate Leonardo Bonucci

Cristiano Ronaldo will be in for some physical punishment from Italy if Portugal meet the Azzurri in the play-off final for the World Cup, warned Leonardo Bonucci.

The veteran centre-back, who played alongside Ronaldo for Juventus before the striker left for Manchester United, says Ronaldo 'knows he will suffer blows' in the expected showdown.

Neither Italy or Portugal managed to qualify for the World Cup at the first time of asking so Ronaldo and Co face Turkey in the semi-finals with Roberto Mancini's men taking on North Macedonia.

Leonardo Bonucci (right) warned that former Juventus team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo (left) will 'suffer some blows' if Portugal and Italy reach the play-off final for the Qatar World Cup

Leonardo Bonucci (right) warned that former Juventus team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo (left) will 'suffer some blows' if Portugal and Italy reach the play-off final for the Qatar World Cup

Ronaldo left Juventus for Man United and Bonucci said they're more of a team without him

Both teams are expected to come through unscathed and meet in the final with a place in next year's Qatar World Cup on the line.