Italian newspaper slams wasteful David after Canada World Cup opener, but Serie A duo shines

Juventus striker Jonathan David was rated 5/10 by Gazzetta dello Sport after Canada’s World Cup opener, but Serie A pair Sead Kolasinac and Ismael Koné were among the best players on the field.

Canada, one of the host countries of the 2026 World Cup, were held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first game in the tournament on Friday.

It was a match that left the Italy national team with plenty of regrets, as they were knocked out of the World Cup play-off final by Bosnia this past March.

Juventus striker David started the game, but was subbed off around the hour mark. David had a big chance at minute 16, but his shot from inside the box was too weak and easily saved by Bosnia keeper Nikola Vasilj.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport rated David 5/10, writing: “Tell Carnevali that he [David] wasted a chance with his left foot.”

Carnevali is the new Juventus General Manager and CEO, appointed on Friday to replace Damien Comolli.

On the other hand, another Canadian Serie A player, Sassuolo’s Koné, was praised by Gazzetta, called the “Midfield Prime Minister” and rated 6.5/10.

Atalanta defender Kolasinac was the best player on the field for Bosnia, according to the pink paper, and was also rated 6.5/10.

Kolasinac’s compatriot Tarik Muharemovic, a teammate of Koné at Sassuolo, was rated 5.5/10 after losing the duel that led to Canada’s equaliser.