Domenico Criscito’s agent has questioned Cesare Prandelli’s decision to drop him from the national team, whilst warning the media not to assume his guilt.
Criscito’s room at the Italy squad’s training centre at Coverciano was searched in the early hours of Monday morning as part of police raids across the country.
Domenico Criscito’s agent has questioned Cesare Prandelli’s decision to drop him from the national team, whilst warning the media not to assume his guilt.
Criscito’s room at the Italy squad’s training centre at Coverciano was searched in the early hours of Monday morning as part of police raids across the country.
The left-back was served with a notice that he is under investigation by authorities, as they continue to probe into allegations of illegal betting and match-fixing in several Serie A and B games.
In reaction to seeing Criscito’s international teammate Leonardo Bonucci allegedly named as also being under investigation today – an accusation since denied by FIGC – the Zenit St Petersburg player’s agent has questioned the decision to drop Criscito for Euro 2012, given that Bonucci will be attending.
“Bonucci, who is being investigated, will join the squad for the European Championships, so Criscito should have fallen into consideration for Prandelli,” Andrea D’Amico told reporters on Thursday afternoon.
“My client is sorry, he is regretful but very calm because he has committed no offence. He had to give up a place at the Euros only because he was photographed.
“It was during another investigation into drugs where this person was followed and then pictured with Criscito.”
“If I was Prandelli I’d take him to the Euros, because the notice of investigation does not amount to guilt and because the boy has guaranteed that he has done nothing. If the Coach believed him, then he would bring him.
“There are no wiretaps, no testimonials and it is all based on a photograph. I think it is unfair that he cannot participate in the European Championships.
“When they decided to send Criscito home that was tantamount to saying the boy is guilty. Right now, caution is needed because today the process is carried out in the media, before even entering the courtroom.
“It is true that it was necessary to protect the national team, but the boy must also be protected.”