Article & Journal Resources

Azzurri boss Roberto Donadoni has finally hit back at French national coach Raymond Domenech after months of criticism.

Domenech is public enemy number one in the Italian peninsula after repeated outbursts against Calcio.

During this time Donadoni has always kept a dignified silence, however he has now chosen to finally hit back.

“Domenech is good with words, but probably not as good when it comes to playing. If he wants, one day we could play a game and see who wins,” said the former AC Milan star.

Domenech has been particularly critical of Italy’s defensive tactics, saying that they played for a draw against France back in September, and predicting that they would tie their crucial qualifier with Scotland last month, a match they eventually won 2-1.

“In Scotland we had the perfect approach. Abroad they like to say we are a defensive team, but we didn’t look like that in Glasgow,” he continued.

“It was great to reach the finals of Euro 2008, but now we need to forget about the qualifiers. We have no reason to complain about ending up in a difficult and complicated group with France, Holland and Romania.”

“We have shown we are a balanced team and will do our outmost to honour the Azzurri shirt.”

Donadoni was finally asked for any hints on who would be in his final 23-man squad for Austria and Switzerland.

“I will be following all the players in their games and then I will make my mind up. I just hope they won’t suffer any injuries,” he concluded.


Anthony Sormani