Giampiero Ventura confirmed he will not call Graziano Pellè for Italy’s next games because “he besmirched the image” of the Nazionale.
The Azzurri will face Lichtenstein in a World Cup qualifier on November 12, then host Germany in a friendly at San Siro on November 15.
The Shandong Luneng striker refused to shake his tactician’s hand when substituted during a match, then muttered offensive phrases when he got to the bench.
Giampiero Ventura confirmed he will not call Graziano Pellè for Italy’s next games because “he besmirched the image” of the Nazionale.
The Azzurri will face Lichtenstein in a World Cup qualifier on November 12, then host Germany in a friendly at San Siro on November 15.
The Shandong Luneng striker refused to shake his tactician’s hand when substituted during a match, then muttered offensive phrases when he got to the bench.
“Have I spoken to him? No, because the phone calls to China are too expensive…” Ventura told Rai Sport.
“I judged it for what it was, a mistake, but it was also a lack of respect for the Azzurri colours and he besmirched the image of the group. That was the biggest error he made.
“Next Sunday I don’t think he will be in the squad, because as I always said you need a period of reflection. He is not very young, but can still give something to Italy in future.”