Zibi Boniek assures Italy “did not play badly, it’s just that Spain were playing at a very high level. They’ll be favourites in the play-offs.”
The Azzurri were beaten 3-0 at the Bernabeu and can now only qualify for the 2018 World Cup via a preliminary round.
“I sat in front of the TV to cheer on Italy, knowing full well it was a difficult match,” the former Roma man and head of the Poland FA told Tele Radio Stereo.
Zibi Boniek assures Italy “did not play badly, it’s just that Spain were playing at a very high level. They’ll be favourites in the play-offs.”
The Azzurri were beaten 3-0 at the Bernabeu and can now only qualify for the 2018 World Cup via a preliminary round.
“I sat in front of the TV to cheer on Italy, knowing full well it was a difficult match,” the former Roma man and head of the Poland FA told Tele Radio Stereo.
“I saw a good match where Italy didn’t play badly, it’s just that Spain were playing at a very high level. When you go 2-0 up, it allows you to focus on the counter-attack, which is how Spain got the third goal.
“Italy can have a great future ahead of them, as they’ve got young and talented players. I understand Giampiero Ventura’s irritation, because you have to fight for the World Cup spot against such a strong opponent. The question to be asked is why did Italy end up in the same group as Spain?
“As an observer, it’s clear that a group with Italy and Spain means whoever loses the head-to-head record will go to the play-offs.
“In any case, Italy will be the favourites in the play-offs, no matter who they are up against.”