FIGC president Gabriele Gravina is tired of the talk of Italy being given a second chance to enter the World Cup in Qatar following their play-off disaster.
Some Azzurri fans are still holding onto the hope that the national team will somehow be allowed to compete in the upcoming World Cup, despite losing 1-0 to North Macedonia in the play-offs back in March. The team now need to rebuild ahead of the upcoming European Championships in Germany in 2024.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Nations League clash against Germany, Gravina discussed the tiring conversation of a second chance for the Azzurri.
“I want to open a discussion on one issue, which is the second chance for the World Cup, this is making us less credible. Italy are out of the World Cup, we lost on the pitch and thinking about a second chance is a mockery and not being credible.”
He then responded to the calls for him and coach Roberto Mancini to resign following their World Cup qualification failure.
“I would like to make it clear, that such an act would have brought negative consequences, do you really think that my and Mancini’s resignation would have generated positive effects?
“I love facing problems and I take responsibility for them. It’s a delicate phase, we have to rebuild our credibility.”
Finally, Gravina discussed his expectations for tonight’s Nations League clash against Germany.
“We have always told the truth to the Italians, knowing that sometimes it is also uncomfortable. We come from an extraordinary result.
“The European championship was won by a normal team that became special, but this team then returned to normal and is now suffering because we have had injuries, some are very tired, others have age limits and Chiellini has retired.
“I expect a game linked to a reaction of pride, not a game that solves or worsens problems.”
The other two teams in Italy and Germany’s Nations League group are England and Hungary, so securing three points against Hansi Flick’s side this evening would be a strong start in the road to finishing first.
Gravina: "Basta parlare di ripescaggio dell'Italia. Dimissioni? No, i problemi si affrontano…" https://t.co/q54gKCNlKH
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) June 4, 2022
He speaks with conviction, however the FIFA rules need to be upheld, if Ecuador have cheated, so be it.
I like this guy. Straight talkijg no nonsense
can someone please explain to me why a person who is supposed to represent Italy AND KNOW THE FIFA RULES is not standing up for his country!
People are citing Denmark getting a spot in 1992 after Yugoslavia were expelled for being the highest ranked team. But that was a UEFA tournament.
Anybody have it in FIFA’s rules? Is it really in the Rules or just wishful thinking?