Graziano Pellè felt referee Martin Atkinson “should’ve shown common sense” in Italy’s draw with Croatia.
“It wasn’t easy at the start, but we got the hang of them pretty quickly and could’ve won the game,” he told Rai Sport after a 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifier draw in Split.
“In all honesty, tonight we were at the very least on a par with Croatia. In fact, we had more chances than they did and their goal was strange.”
Graziano Pellè felt referee Martin Atkinson “should’ve shown common sense” in Italy’s draw with Croatia.
“It wasn’t easy at the start, but we got the hang of them pretty quickly and could’ve won the game,” he told Rai Sport after a 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifier draw in Split.
“In all honesty, tonight we were at the very least on a par with Croatia. In fact, we had more chances than they did and their goal was strange.”
Croatia netted on the counter-attack after Italy had a goal incorrectly ruled offside, so players were still celebrating and then protesting when Mario Mandzukic netted.
“At the end of the day they can play like that, but if I had been the referee then I would’ve stopped play,” said the Southampton striker.
“The linesman lifted his flag very late while we were already celebrating. The referee should’ve shown more common sense.”
The Azzurri debuted a 4-3-3 system under Antonio Conte, but Pellè insisted he has no preference.
“I like the 3-5-2 system as well, as the crosses come in anyway.”