Lazio have hit back at ‘unfounded’ suggestions Manuel Lazzari and Mattia Zaccagni pulled out of international duty with Italy too easily.
The pair were in the squad for the Nations League matches against Germany, Hungary and England, but were sent home on Thursday.
This was ‘a surprise’ to coach Roberto Mancini, who said the players had seemed fit and implied they didn’t try hard enough to stick it out.
The controversy erupted in the media and Lazio hit back via news agency ANSA.
“We were surprised and stunned by the reports and comments on the physical condition of Biancocelesti players Manuel Lazzari and Mattia Zaccagni.
“Over the last few days, even before the Wembley match against Argentina, the Nazionale medical staff interfaced repeatedly with the Lazio medical staff, keeping them constantly informed on the conditions of the players who had medical issues after the first training sessions.
“On June 2, the Nazionale medical staff confirmed definitively that the decision had been made to send the players back home, as their physical condition did not allow them to continue training or be used in the next Azzurri games.
“They underwent tests on their return, which confirmed the initial diagnosis. Lazzari and Zaccagni have begun targeted treatment and are constantly being monitored.
“Any other reconstructions of events in the media are therefore false and some comments completely unfounded.”
The Lega Serie A then also spoke to news agency ANSA and added a further rather inflammatory statement that will probably not earn them much sympathy.
“The Lega Serie A expresses its shock at yet another attempt from the FIGC to discredit, and consequently damage, Serie A clubs during a moment when, as President Gravina said today, we ought to be united.”
Italy of course had requested an extra few days to prepare for the World Cup play-off against North Macedonia, a request that was denied by Serie A clubs.
— Alfredo Pedullà (@AlfredoPedulla) June 4, 2022
Pathetic by Lazio.
Only those committed to the shirt from here on out.