Italy U21 Coach Paolo Nicolato told off Moise Kean after a red card against the Republic of Ireland. “We shouldn’t have fallen for their provocation.”
It was only the Azzurrini’s second game of the European Under-21 Championship qualifying group, whereas Ireland had already won their three matches.
Italy U21 Coach Paolo Nicolato told off Moise Kean after a red card against the Republic of Ireland. “We shouldn’t have fallen for their provocation.”
It was only the Azzurrini’s second game of the European Under-21 Championship qualifying group, whereas Ireland had already won their three matches.
“We met an opponent in good shape and very physical. I knew it would be difficult, hard-fought and decided only by incidents,” Nicolato told Rai Sport after a 0-0 draw.
“We put in the effort and showed courage, but we are in early days, we’re under construction and will improve.”
Kean came off the bench, but lasted under 20 minutes before his dismissal for pushing Troy Parrott in the chest, with the Irish player receiving his second yellow card in the incident.
“It’s our own fault, we know these environments, the way they see competition and sportsmanship, so we knew full well that we shouldn’t have fallen for their provocation.
“Qualification is not a walk in the park, there are strong teams and we need to work to get there.”
The next Italy game is against Armenia on Monday.