FIGC President Giancarlo Abete criticised Napoli and Zdenek Zeman for the recent Super Cup and Antonio Conte controversy.
FIGC President Giancarlo Abete criticised Napoli and Zdenek Zeman for the recent Super Cup and Antonio Conte controversy. “Calcio needs to grow up.”
It has been a tense week, as Napoli boycotted the Italian Super Cup trophy presentation ceremony in Beijing, protesting at their 4-2 defeat to Juventus” data-scaytid=”9″>Juventus in extra time.
Roma Coach Zeman also hit the headlines when he stated the 10-month ban given to Juve Coach Conte in the betting trial was “not enough” because it still allows him to train the squad on a day-to-day basis.
“Calcio really needs to grow up in terms of its behaviour,” Abete told Sky Sport Italia.
“As for Napoli deserting the ceremony, I have to say I’ve seen many trophy presentations in controversial situations and they all managed to separate criticism from recognising the success of their opponents.”
Juventus have launched furious attacks on the FIGC recently too, claiming the sporting justice system is “dictatorial” after the betting trial.
“I can say Juve are a great club and the rapport with them has seen some misunderstandings lately, but the sporting justice system is autonomous and must perform its role.”
Abete was also asked about the Zeman claim that Conte should be banned from training Juventus as well as sitting on the bench on match day.
“When you are not directly linked to an issue, it is better not to speak about it. It’s too easy to ask for changes in this manner. As things currently stand, a banned Coach can train during the week.”
The international season kicks off again this evening with Italy’s friendly against England.
“Our journey towards the World Cup begins, after we lost the Euros when playing as protagonists. Cesare Prandelli made a commitment to the Nazionale and never said he wanted to leave.
“He can miss day-to-day training of a team at times, but that doesn’t mean he wants to terminate a project.”