Italy legend Alessandro ‘Spillo’ Altobelli believes if the Azzurri are awarded a penalty against Northern Ireland, then Jorginho will ‘run and hide in the locker room.’
The World Cup qualifier kicks off at Windsor Park in Belfast on Monday at 19.45 GMT.
The Nazionale need a victory, because they only drew 1-1 with Switzerland on Friday after Jorginho blasted a stoppage-time penalty over the bar.
That was the third consecutive spot-kick that Jorginho has failed to convert for Italy, including shoot-outs.
“In his shoes, after missing two, I would not have stepped up for the third,” 1982 World Cup winner Altobelli told La Repubblica newspaper.
“He missed in the EURO 2020 Final, he missed the first leg against Switzerland. I saw his face before he took the kick, he was white as a sheet. You could tell he was far too anxious.
“Taking a penalty is less easy than you might think. A champion feels it, and if he doesn’t feel it, he should have the courage to step aside and give the ball to a teammate instead.”
Altobelli was asked what Jorginho should do if Italy receive a penalty against Northern Ireland tomorrow.
“I think he’d probably run and hide in the locker room. I doubt he’d take it. Maybe, if it’s already 3-0, it would be an opportunity to shake off this negative streak.”
Hate to say it But he cost us a place in word World Cup . Missing two penalties against rival Swiss in which we could have taken possible 6 points is just unacceptable. I can’t believe we talking about playoffs again. Wtf
I will be running to the toilet if he dares take another one.
Yep same. Hate to say this but don’t think i could bear to watch Jorg taking another penalty if we win one tomorrow.