Leonardo Bonucci recreates iconic Juventus defensive line with Chiellini and Barzagli at Gianluigi Buffon’s wedding; Paul Pogba drops comment

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba left a comment praising his former teammates on Leonardo Bonucci's recent social media post. The former Italian defender shared a picture of him and his teammates on Instagram which invoked nostalgia among fans.

Bonucci was a key figure in Juventus' formidable defensive unit alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli as they conquered Italian football. Bonucci and Barzagli won eight Serie A titles with Juventus, with Chiellini going one better with nine.

Their defensive nous was also pivotal for the national side. Chiellini and Bonucci won the 2020 Euros with Italy. Barzagli, who had retired from football by then, lifted the World Cup in 2006 before his former teammates made their international debuts.

The trio got together recently on the occasion of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon's wedding. Bonucci posted a picture of the three of them from the event with a nostalgic caption:

"The defense is lined up 🍾. Best wishes Ilara and Gigi."

The post went viral on social media with fans and players rejoicing at seeing the famed trio back together. Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who played with all three defenders, posted a one-word comment celebrating his former teammates.

"Legends," he wrote.

While the defensive trio and Buffon have all retired from football, Pogba is on Juventus' payroll but is in the midst of a doping controversy.

Juventus may terminate Paul Pogba's contract

The Serie A side are contemplating terminating the contract of French midfielder Paul Pogba. The World Cup-winning midfielder is currently serving a four-year ban from football for failing a doping test.

Italy's National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA) had provisionally suspended the France international in September 2023 after he tested positive for DHEA - a banned substance that boosts hormone production including testosterone. Its ruling was confirmed in February this year along with a four-year ban for the 31-year-old.

Pogba has filed an appeal against his ban at the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport). However, a decision on his plea is yet to be made, which leaves his club future in serious doubt.

According to a report by Gazzetta, the Old Lady are contemplating terminating the midfielder's contract. However, they are waiting for the CAS verdict to come out before making a decision.

If the four-year ban is upheld, the 31-year-old won't be allowed to play professional football till 2028 and with his contract with the Serie A giants expiring in 2026, it would push the club into cutting ties with the tainted midfielder.