Former Italy international Claudio Marchisio was not impressed by the Azzurri players, as only five of them took a knee for Black Lives Matter. ‘There’s freedom of choice, but…’

Italy secured a 1-0 win over Wales thanks to Matteo Pessina’s goal after 39 minutes, and the Azzurri thus finished first in Group A and will face runners-up from Group C in the last 16 of the competition.

Marchisio spoke to RAI Sport about the match and commented on the fact that only five players kneeled down to support Black Lives Matter on Sunday.

Five Italy players took a knee for Black Lives Matter

Rafael Toloi, Emerson Palmieri, Matteo Pessina, Federico Bernardeschi and Andrea Belotti all took a knee, but they were the only ones of the Italian players who committed to gesture their support in the fight against racism.

Marchisio was not impressed by the players who remained on their feet when all of Wales and five Azzurri players took a knee.

“There’s freedom of choice, but this is a very important protest, and I would have preferred everyone to kneel down,” he told RAI Sport.

Tickets Kit Collector