Sassuolo striker Andrea Pinamonti was unimpressed with Roberto Mancini’s claims that Italy lack centre forwards, calling the comments ‘bothersome’.
The Azzurri coach surprised many by calling up Argentine-born striker Mateo Retegui for Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against England and Malta, suggesting that he took the risk on the Tigre man due to a lack of other options in Serie A.
Mancini’s comments didn’t go down well with a number of Italian strikers, with one example being Mario Balotelli, who highlighted that ‘there are strikers in Italy and they are fit’, showing his frustration.
Speaking at the presentation of the ‘Amici dei Bambini’ tournament, Pinamonti was first asked about Mancini’s complaints.
“It can be bothersome, because there are, and I’m not talking about myself. It’s also an incentive to do more and more and make those who say that believe it.”
He was then asked about Italy’s struggles to produce reliable strikers.
“That’s a question you don’t have to ask me, if there are people who don’t believe it, you have to ask them.”
The 23-year-old Italian forward commented on his impression of Retegui.
“I saw very little of the matches, I had more important commitments. I was sorry not to see them but anyway he scored two goals and helped the team win, I’m happy for him.”
He touched on if he had any regrets with Inter.
“Absolutely not, I’ll just have to say thank you, I arrived when I was a child and came out to play in Serie A.”
The Sassuolo striker discussed his dream of playing for Italy.
“If someone doesn’t have the dream of playing for the national team it’s better to change jobs.”
Finally, Pinamonti spoke about his goals for this season.
“I’m self-critical, I have to do better at the net. My goal is to finish this season in the best possible way, after a difficult first half of the season.
“Between now and the end of the season we’ll see some good things.”