Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has absolutely no doubts that Ukraine ‘were robbed’ in last night’s crucial EURO 2024 qualifier with Italy.
The Azzurri knew a point would suffice to qualify for the tournament in Germany next summer and secured a 0-0 draw on neutral turf in Leverkusen.
Deep into stoppages, Bryan Cristante appeared to catch Mykhailo Mudryk inside the penalty area, only for referee Jesus Gil Manzano and the VAR to wave play on.
While the incident was debated in the media and among the coaches and players too, Napoli President De Laurentiis is steadfast in his conviction.
“Nobody wants to see a team robbed the way Ukraine were last night by Italy. They clearly should’ve had a penalty,” said De Laurentiis as part of the presentation of a new book.
Making the situation a little awkward was the fact De Laurentiis was at the time sitting with Napoli defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo and winger Matteo Politano, who were both playing for Italy last night.
“In truth, you played well, better than most times I have seen the Nazionale, and you deserved to qualify. Ukraine were motivated by the war, they had a dream and it was not made into reality. Then again, if everything was easy, it wouldn’t be a dream.”
Ukraine can still qualify for EURO 2024, as they are one of 12 teams entering the play-offs in March 2024.