Germany boss Joachim Low has hailed Daniele De Rossi for his moment of ‘greatness’ after he refused to warm up during Italy-Sweden.
Germany boss Joachim Low has hailed Daniele De Rossi for his moment of ‘greatness’ after he refused to warm up during Italy-Sweden.
De Rossi passed up the chance to appear as a substitute against Sweden as he demanded Lorenzo Insigne to be brought on instead, and Low sided with the Roma midfielder, despite him ignoring the orders of his Coach, after Italy’s ‘sad’ failure to qualify for the World Cup.
“I read yesterday that De Rossi said he wouldn’t want to be subbed in because they needed a striker. For me, that is greatness," he was quoted as saying by Goal.com after Germany’s 2-2 with France on Tuesday.
“I think it’s a little sad for Italy. I would’ve been happy if the Italians were part of [the World Cup].
“We can’t influence the draw. Everything can happen. In Italy’s case, I congratulate the Swedes. I saw the game, they defended well and gave everything.
“But I think it’s sad for Italy, because for such a big tournament [it’s a pity]. If Germany or France or even Brazil or Argentina [miss out], for me there is something missing without the Italian team.
“It’s also sad that Chile haven’t qualified, they didn’t manage it. For Italy, though, it is kind of a chance for a new beginning. Some of their players are ending their career.
“I have the biggest respect for those players, that played not only for Juventus, but also those that played in the national team. Gianluigi Buffon – biggest respect. [Leonardo] Bonucci or also De Rossi or the others. That’s pure class.”