Milena Bertolini, coach of the Italian women’s national team, has apologised and explained her controversial statements about Nicolo Zaniolo.
The 55-year-old Italian coach was discussing Zaniolo’s sending off at the end of Roma’s 0-0 draw against Genoa on the weekend, and she suggested that the Italian forward ‘should be educated and helped.’ This has caused significant controversy, with both the player’s mother and his agent speaking out against the statement. Roma also intend to ask the FIGC for clarification about the situation.
In a statement reported by Calciomercato.com, Bertolini apologised for the situation and explained what she meant by those comments.
“I am deeply sorry for the negative consequences that my words about Zaniolo are taking on. The extrapolation of a small part of what I said, without listening to my whole thought in its complexity, may have contributed to the misunderstanding. That’s why I think it’s useful to clarify.
“During the broadcast ‘90° Minuto’, I tried to explain that Zaniolo’s frustration for the cancellation of the goal scored deserved more attention and greater understanding, as the affectionate embrace of Mourinho clearly demonstrated.
“I pointed out that, while not intending to justify his words, one should have understood the specific situation, without punishing him beyond measure. Like all young players, I believe that Zaniolo should be helped and guided in the management of the emotional aspects, that is, in the management of the natural difficulties, frustrations and alleged injustices that can be experienced within a game.
“When I spoke of education I was referring to these aspects, which are closely related to football growth. Far be it from me to judge other personal aspects. Nicolò is a great talent and an asset of Italian football and above all a boy who, among other things, seems to me extremely sensitive and generous.”
The 22-year-old Zaniolo thought he’d scored the winning goal for the Giallorossi in the dying minutes of their league clash against Genoa on Saturday, before a VAR check cancelled out the goal due to an accidental Tammy Abraham foul in the build-up. This infuriated Zaniolo, who began ranting at the referee, earning him a straight red card for dissent.
Caso Zaniolo, Bertolini chiarisce: 'Mi riferivo a crescita calcistica, non personale': Milena Bertolini, ct della Nazionale italiana femminile, ha voluto chiarire le recenti dichiarazioni su Nicolò Zaniolo: “Sono pr… https://t.co/xCTsPGBxqN pic.twitter.com/DkQAp2AE3e
— sportlive (@sportli26181512) February 7, 2022