Roberto Mancini reiterates his “disappointment” with Maurizio Sarri, and denies insulting a Gazzetta journalist.
The Inter Coach accused his Napoli counterpart of using homophobic language during the Coppa Italia tie on Tuesday night, and Sarri was today banned for two games.
Roberto Mancini reiterates his “disappointment” with Maurizio Sarri, and denies insulting a Gazzetta journalist.
The Inter Coach accused his Napoli counterpart of using homophobic language during the Coppa Italia tie on Tuesday night, and Sarri was today banned for two games.
Today the Gazzetta dello Sport accused Mancini of using similar language to journalist Alessio Da Ronch in 2001, and the Beneamata boss has responded on his official website.
“What I said after the game in Naples is simply in line with my history and my footballing culture,” Mancini wrote.
“I don’t ask people to share my way of being in football, but I demand respect. At the moment they’re creating a polemic and creating factions which shift attention away from the real problem!
“This story has been subject to a lot of manipulations, not least that I used that same insult toward a journalist, which is not true.
"I’ve never used that term because it’s not part of my vocabulary.
“I reiterate my disappointment, but I’d like to get back to concentrating on our sporting goals now, and the next game [with Carpi] which is crucial for Inter’s season.”
The Nerazzurri have also released a short statement via Twitter, stating that they are "always on Mancini's side, both on and off the pitch".