Italian national boss Cesare Prandelli has announced that his country are ready to withdraw from Euro 2012 should that be required.
The Italian game is again dealing with off the pitch problems after the match fixing betting probe rocked the squad’s preparations.
Italian national boss Cesare Prandelli has announced that his country are ready to withdraw from Euro 2012 should that be required.
The Italian game is again dealing with off the pitch problems after the match fixing betting probe rocked the squad’s preparations.
“If they tell us that it is in the best interest of football for Italy to not go to the European Championship then that won’t be a problem,” Prandelli told Rai Sport.
“It would not be a problem for me. There are things which I deem to be more important.
“I don’t like crusades, I like to face things head on and not take a particular stance without thinking of the consequences.
“I would like to just talk about football, but what is happening right now is forcing us to do otherwise.
“We continue to maintain that the players involved in the investigation will not be a part of the squad for the European Championship.”
Prandelli opted against selecting Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito after police raided his room at Coverciano on Monday.
Criscito, who today criticised the decision to drop him from the party, has received official notification that he is under investigation.
Leonardo Bonucci, whose name appears in prosecutor documents, was included in the squad as he has not been given any official notice.
The squad was again rocked last night when rumours started to circulate that Gigi Buffon could be facing legal questions regarding a separate matter.
“Buffon is a strong guy, he has great personality,” Prandelli added. “Despite that, things which are happening now can weigh down even a person like him.”
Italy, who saw Tuesday’s friendly against Luxembourg scrapped because of an earthquake, will play Russia in Zurich this evening.