Former coach Zdenek Zeman suggested that Lorenzo Insigne would regret joining Toronto FC and felt that missing out on the World Cup would be ‘a new drama.’
The 30-year-old Italian winger is ending his career-long association with Napoli once his contract expires at the end of this season, joining MLS side Toronto on a free transfer. He’ll be hoping to play an important role for Italy in their upcoming World Cup play-offs later this month, two games that must be won in order to secure the Azzurri’s spot in the tournament.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport today, Zeman first discussed how painful missing out on the World Cup in Qatar would be.
“Let’s hope that we progress, otherwise it will be a new drama. Unfortunately a lot of players aren’t at their best, I hope they’ll find themselves.”
The former Roma and Lazio coach commented on the criticisms levied against Ciro Immobile for his performances with the Italian national team.
“For me it’s just a tactical issue. He has more ground to cover in Lazio, but he doesn’t get much space as a centre forward in Italy. But he’s still the best centre forward, the numbers say so.”
Finally, Zeman highlighted his disappointment at Insigne’s decision to join Toronto on a free transfer.
“I know how much he cares about Naples and Napoli. Unfortunately in football nowadays only money counts. But I think Insigne will regret this choice on a sporting level.”
Zeman: "Italia ai Mondiali o sarà nuovo dramma. Insigne? Si pentirà della sua scelta" https://t.co/xlp0eMPUuK
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) March 19, 2022
He will run circles around the league and he will receive the plaudits from the MLS b
But he will have lost my interest. He will be playing in the stadium a 2km from me but I wont care, just like when seb was here. Solo Serie A
He will definitely regret it considering TFC do not look anywhere near challenging for a title. 30 years old is too young to give up on the highest level in Europe. Unfortunate
With all due respect to Italians and their high level of skill when it comes to football; Serie A is not highest level of football in Europe.