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Angry Trapattoni blasts Italy boo-boys

October 6, 2001
Reuters

By Simon Evans

PARMA, Italy - Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni hit out at the team's supporters after they whistled goalscorer Alessandro Del Piero and chanted the name of Roberto Baggio during Saturday's 1-0 win over Hungary.

The victory secured unbeaten Italy's place in next year's World Cup finals as winners of group eight.

Del Piero was whistled by fans at the Tardini stadium after he had failed to convert three chances and the name of Baggio, who has not appeared during Italy's qualification campaign, was chanted by the fans.

Del Piero responded by curling home a free kick in the 45th minute which was enough to defeat the surprisingly impressive Hungarians.

'It was a most ungenerous gesture from the fans against those players who have taken us to the World Cup finals,' said Trapattoni when asked about the Baggio chants.

'Such things can only harm the national team - don't forget that,' added the Italy coach.

Trapattoni has been angered by constant media speculation that former European Player of the Year Baggio, now playing for Brescia and without an appearance for Italy for over two years, could be included in his final 22 for next year's World Cup.

Del Piero too was clearly upset by the reaction of the fans who appeared to turn against him after Italy had struggled to make a breakthrough in the first half.

'We need the fans on our side at times when we are suffering and that is what saddens me above all else,' said the Juventus striker.

Roma forward Francesco Totti was also disappointed with the reaction of the supporters.

'They shouldn't behave like that. We players need to keep our mind on getting the result and such whistling can only sadden us,' said Totti, who admitted Italy had found it hard going.

'The Hungarians didn't allow us to play with calmness but luckily Del Piero got the result for us with that free kick,' added Totti.

SPLENDID SQUAD
Trapattoni paid tribute to his side, preferring to focus on an unbeaten qualification campaign than the rather low-key manner in which they formally booked their place in Japan and South Korea.

'The team deserve compliments. They have shown they have the spirit of sacrifice. Although we suffered as well tonight we also created four or five chances and had we put one of those away it would have calmed us,' said the Italy coach.

'But overall to get through to the finals without losing a single game is a great achievement.

'I believe firmly that we have a splendid squad and my compliments go to those who because they were suspended or injured were not able to be on the field tonight - they too have played a vital part,' added Trapattoni.
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