Italy Coach Giampiero Ventura has excluded Graziano Pelle from Italy’s next match with Macedonia after the striker refused his handshake when substituted.
The Shandong Luneng forward had issued an apology on instagram, but it appears that this was too little, too late for his veteran Coach.
After starting the World Cup qualifying match with Spain, Pelle was substituted on 59 minutes, but will now miss the next game with Macedonia on Sunday.
Italy Coach Giampiero Ventura has excluded Graziano Pelle from Italy’s next match with Macedonia after the striker refused his handshake when substituted.
The Shandong Luneng forward had issued an apology on instagram, but it appears that this was too little, too late for his veteran Coach.
After starting the World Cup qualifying match with Spain, Pelle was substituted on 59 minutes, but will now miss the next game with Macedonia on Sunday.
The FIGC released a statement to the press, in which they confirmed the decision, and added that Pelle would return to his parent club in China.
"The Coach Gian Piero Ventura, in agreement with the FIGC, has decided to exclude the player Graziano Pellè from the squad for the match against FYR Macedonia this Sunday, October 9 in Skopje, for disrespectful behavior at the time of his substitution during the match yesterday with Spain.
“To be part of the Italy squad involves the sharing of values that are befitting of the national team, starting with showing respect towards the staff, teammates and fans. The player will return today to his parent club."