Ciro Immobile admits Lazio have to consider the 1-1 draw with Torino ‘a point earned’ and reiterates he is happy to accept ‘praise and criticism when it is deserved,’ but hasn’t decided if he will continue his Italy career.
Pietro Pellegri had put Toro ahead at the Stadio Olimpico by nodding in a corner, but deep into stoppages Immobile met Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s cross at the back post for the equaliser.
“It was a difficult match, we need to improve our approach to the second half. It wasn’t the best last week either, if we had kept it at 0-0 for longer, we might’ve fought to win it at the end,” Immobile told Sky Sport Italia.
“Having said that, Torino are really tough and press you all over the pitch. We didn’t move the ball quickly enough, they are so hard to break down and we have to consider it a point earned.
“We knew fourth place was a long way off, with Juventus drawing we could’ve closed the gap a bit, but that still would’ve been tough. We were more focused on our own personal growth process.”
Immobile is the top Italian Serie A scorer still in activity, remains top of the current Capocannoniere charts and has scored 25 goals in three consecutive campaigns. Is that enough to stop him getting singled out as the scapegoat for Italy’s failed World Cup qualifying campaign?
“No, it’s not enough. As I said, criticism is part of football and I accept that. What I don’t accept is gratuitous nastiness. I accept praise and criticism when it is deserved, but some people enjoy themselves with this.
“What remains above all is the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup. We all share that responsibility.”
Speaking to DAZN this evening, Immobile was also asked if he will continue with international duty.
“I don’t know, I haven’t decided yet.”