FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio backed Giampiero Ventura’s Italy “experiments” in Macedonia and confirms he had to drop Graziano Pellè.
The Nazionale are in Skopje for a World Cup qualifier that kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“Tonight, regardless of what some people might think, this is an important and difficult match. When you absolutely need to win, it is always a problem,” Tavecchio told Sky Sport Italia.
FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio backed Giampiero Ventura’s Italy “experiments” in Macedonia and confirms he had to drop Graziano Pellè.
The Nazionale are in Skopje for a World Cup qualifier that kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“Tonight, regardless of what some people might think, this is an important and difficult match. When you absolutely need to win, it is always a problem,” Tavecchio told Sky Sport Italia.
Pellè was frozen out after refusing to shake Coach Ventura’s hand when substituted during a 1-1 draw with Spain.
“It was a very tough decision to make with many emotional factors, but it was inevitable. Aside from the seriousness of his words, there was also an aesthetic attitude that was seen all over the world.
“I didn’t know exactly what happened, because I could not see his lips when he walked off. (Team manager Lele) Oriali called me and explained what he heard with his own ears. It was not possible to ignore the gravity of the situation and it had to be matched by a grave response.”
This evening, Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti are set to start upfront with Marco Verratti as the midfield playmaker.
“The Coach is changing system and attitude,” continued Tavecchio. “The previous Italy side had its own logic and a great centre-forward, whereas now there is more mobility and I think the experiment will go well.
“If people had told us before Thursday’s game that we would draw with Spain, we’d have all been pretty happy. Let’s just leave Ventura to do his work. He is a serious and solid person.
“I remain thoroughly convinced I made the right choice.”