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.
.