Lazio President Claudio Lotito has reportedly infuriated Italy players by entering the locker room during their friendly with Holland.
The patron was the major backer for new FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio, but would not run for Vice-President because it would be a conflict of interest.
However, Lotito travelled with the Azzurri squad for their friendly against the Netherlands in Bari and made his presence felt, including in the locker room at half-time.
Lazio President Claudio Lotito has reportedly infuriated Italy players by entering the locker room during their friendly with Holland.
The patron was the major backer for new FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio, but would not run for Vice-President because it would be a conflict of interest.
However, Lotito travelled with the Azzurri squad for their friendly against the Netherlands in Bari and made his presence felt, including in the locker room at half-time.
He was wearing an official FIGC jacket on the touchline during training and went to dinner with Tavecchio.
According to several different papers today, the players are “infuriated” with Lotito’s constant presence and protested to Coach Antonio Conte in the name of Gigi Buffon and Daniele De Rossi.
However, the Lotito hit back in the Corriere dello Sport. “I have the credentials, so I go where I want. It’s all envy… What does Conte say about me? That I am a force of nature.
“I was in the Dutch locker room to get De Vrij’s jersey for my son, so I don’t understand what they want from me.
“I am a Federal counsellor, I am part of the Presidential board and can propose reforms, so there is nothing in the rules preventing me from staying with the Nazionale and going wherever I want.
“Another 20 counsellors also have the right to do that. Luciano Moggi did not.”
The papers are also growing concerned about Lotito’s influence on Tavecchio, especially as the Lazio President was the most fervent backer for the controversial FIGC chief in last month’s election.