Gigi Di Biagio “doesn’t owe Arrigo Sacchi a response” after bitter criticism of the Under-21 Italy side, who face Albania tomorrow.
The Azzurrini were crushed 3-0 by Slovakia in a friendly last week, their heaviest loss in the Di Biagio era, and legendary ex-Milan and Italy boss Sacchi complained their “attitude was shameful. They were presumptuous and arrogant.”
Gigi Di Biagio “doesn’t owe Arrigo Sacchi a response” after bitter criticism of the Under-21 Italy side, who face Albania tomorrow.
The Azzurrini were crushed 3-0 by Slovakia in a friendly last week, their heaviest loss in the Di Biagio era, and legendary ex-Milan and Italy boss Sacchi complained their “attitude was shameful. They were presumptuous and arrogant.”
They are back in action with another friendly at the Sardegna Arena in Cagliari on Tuesday at 17.30 UK time (16.30 GMT) and Di Biagio was asked for his reply.
“I don’t owe Arrigo Sacchi a response. He saw these lads grow up through the youth sectors and if he said those things, it’s because he saw something anomalous.
“We do need to change some things in the way we read different periods of the game. The lads are the first to realise they lost their cool because they weren’t able to play well and the result was negative.
“We have to play well against Albania, entertain the fans and win in this wonderful new stadium. More than shake off the frustration of the Slovakia defeat, we must try to figure out why we were unable to perform.
“There’s no doubt about it, we have to improve. Playing well doesn’t necessarily lead to victory, but it certainly helps you to get closer to a success.
“It’ll be different against Albania and I will have the opportunity to try a few new faces.”