Domenico Criscito is confident “Italy will reach the next round” of Euro 2012, even if he is still bitter at missing out.
The Zenit St Petersburg defender was dropped when police staged a dawn raid on his room at the Coverciano training ground to serve him a notice of investigation.
Domenico Criscito is confident “Italy will reach the next round” of Euro 2012, even if he is still bitter at missing out.
The Zenit St Petersburg defender was dropped when police staged a dawn raid on his room at the Coverciano training ground to serve him a notice of investigation.
He has fervently denied any involvement in the betting scandal, which stretches back to his time at Genoa, but was left out due to the “pressure” that would be heaped on him.
“I am very sad not to be there with my teammates fighting for qualification. Since the initial police interview, the authorities have not wanted to speak to me anymore.
“In any case, I am sure Italy will reach the next round,” Criscito told Sky Sport Italia.
“I’ve been following Italy’s progress and I think they’re doing very well. The only issue is they have failed to finish off games when in front.”
Much of the coverage leading into Monday’s final Group C games has been on the potential stitch-up, as a 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia would send Italy home.
“I don’t believe in these things,” he added. “Spain have great champions and they will want to win.”