Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci admits he's bitter over his Italy omission.

Bonucci was ignored by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli.

"There was a little bitterness at not being called any more, but I still feel that I am part of the Azzurri project, seeing as I played in almost all the games," the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

He was dropped for the friendlies against Poland and Uruguay in favour of his friend, Torino starlet Angelo Ogbonna.

"In football you can never take anything for granted. When Antonio Conte didn't tend to use me at Juve, Cesare Prandelli would still call me up for Italy. Now the situation has been turned around completely.

"I know Angelo and we do hang out together in Turin. He is a lovely lad and deserves all the attention he is receiving at the moment."