Graziano Pellè “stained the image” of the Italy squad with his “unacceptable behaviour,” said Coach Giampiero Ventura.
The Shandong Luneng striker refused to shake Ventura’s hand when substituted during the 1-1 draw with Spain on Thursday.
He then reportedly left the stadium before the rest of his teammates.
The FIGC reacted by freezing him out of the squad for tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier with Macedonia.
It remains to be seen when or indeed if he’ll return.
Graziano Pellè “stained the image” of the Italy squad with his “unacceptable behaviour,” said Coach Giampiero Ventura.
The Shandong Luneng striker refused to shake Ventura’s hand when substituted during the 1-1 draw with Spain on Thursday.
He then reportedly left the stadium before the rest of his teammates.
The FIGC reacted by freezing him out of the squad for tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier with Macedonia.
It remains to be seen when or indeed if he’ll return.
“I think it was a lack of respect not just towards me, but towards the group and the Azzurri jersey,” said Ventura in a Press conference.
“It was unacceptable behaviour. He stained the image of a group that had done very well at Euro 2016, basing itself on strong team values.
“In any case, this decision is nothing personal.”