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Leonardo Bonucci will miss Italy's opening World Cup qualifier against Israel on Monday as he continues to monitor the progress of his son Matteo, who required emergency surgery in July. Bonucci, 29, missed the Juventus' Serie A clash with Lazio last weekend and Italy's friendly defeat to France on Wednesday due to complications in his two-year-old son's recovery from an operation he underwent at the end of July. He asked for his and his family's privacy to be respected after confirming the operation took place, and Italy coach Giampiero Ventura says he has spoken with the defender and learnt that he will not be available for selection on Monday. "I've spoken to him and he won't be coming," Ventura said at a news conference following Italy's 3-1 defeat to France on Thursday. "Thank heavens it seems like the situation is improving. Obviously he's not been able to train and he said he would not be able to help. "Faced with a personal situation like this, all I can do is wish him all the best." Bonucci tweeted a picture of him following Italy's defeat to France on television on Thursday night. Meanwhile, Graziano Pelle staked his claim for a starting berth in Israel with Italy's only goal of the night -- his fourth in his last seven appearances for his country -- insisting more is to come since he has a score to settle with Italy's fans after letting them down with a penalty miss in the Euro 2016 quarterfinal defeat to Germany. "I left the Italian fans in tears and I have a great desire to pay them back," said the former Southampton forward, who moved to Chinese club Shandong Luneng this summer. "This goal is a new beginning because I want to remain in the national team for a long time." Pelle has scored three goals in his first six games in the Chinese Super League, including a brace last time out against Teda.
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