Gigi Buffon contradicted many of Giampiero Ventura’s comments after Italy lost in Sweden. “We must avoid feeling unlucky.”
There was precious little the goalkeeper could do when substitute Jakob Johansson’s effort took a massive deflection off Daniele De Rossi.
That proved the decisive moment at the Friends Arena in Solna for the 1-0 result, as the Azzurri must turn it around at San Siro on Monday to avoid missing out on their first World Cup since 1958.
Gigi Buffon contradicted many of Giampiero Ventura’s comments after Italy lost in Sweden. “We must avoid feeling unlucky.”
There was precious little the goalkeeper could do when substitute Jakob Johansson’s effort took a massive deflection off Daniele De Rossi.
That proved the decisive moment at the Friends Arena in Solna for the 1-0 result, as the Azzurri must turn it around at San Siro on Monday to avoid missing out on their first World Cup since 1958.
“We know that we lost, but also that we have another 90 minutes to overturn this complicated situation,” Buffon told TMW Radio.
Many of the captain’s comments seemed to be the polar opposite of those put forward by Coach Ventura.
“The first rule of international football is not to feel sorry for yourself. There were a lot of rough challenges flying around, including some that were gratuitous and at the limits of acceptability.
“It was a very physical game, the referee officiated in an English style by letting a lot go and we hope that won’t be the way fouls are judged in the second leg.
“We’ve got to have faith for Monday, otherwise we’ve already lost. This match was decided by incidents and there’s no point wasting energy right now on analysing the details.
“At San Siro, we need a performance worthy of Italy. The only thing we must avoid is making proclamations or feeling that we are unlucky. We’ve got to keep our heads firmly on our shoulders and stand up straight.
“There are another 90 minutes and we want to make the most of them. I hope that we’re ferocious and have an enjoyable evening on Monday.
“I expect those at San Siro to take off whatever club colours they usually hold and all come together with pride for the Azzurri.”