Lippi hits out at Italian media

(GSM) – Italy boss Marcello Lippi has taken another swipe at the media for their critical approach of the Squadra Azzurra. “I don’t remember a single World Cup with Italy as the favourites.”

There’s a lack of faith in Italy’s chances of retaining the World Cup ahead of the tournament in South Africa.

“I don’t remember a single World Cup with Italy as the favourites,” moaned Lippi.

“Spain and Brazil seem on paper to be the most competitive, but in this type of competition the strongest side doesn’t always win.

“We are not the oldest squad in the tournament either. Besides, nobody after winning the World Cup has gone to the next edition with 23 completely different players. We might be a little old, but that doesn’t mean we’re falling to pieces.”

The coach, who led the Azzurri to World cup glory in 2006, is particularly frustrated at the comments from media, pundits, politicians and stars on decisions like leaving out various stars as Francesco Totti, Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano.

“Every time a World Cup comes along, everyone from every field wants to put their oar in. If the media and other institutions don’t want to support us, then when we win we won’t let them on the bus.

“Let’s be honest here, I did not leave any world class players behind. Maybe we’ll discover a few in our squad.”

Mauro Camoranesi resumed training today for the first time since his knee injury, but Andrea Pirlo is out for two to three weeks with a calf strain.

“Only Pirlo will miss the opener with Paraguay, but he will be ready for the third game. I don’t think he’ll manage the second against New Zealand. In any case, I won’t be tearing my hair out.

“Do not ask me for the line-up, because I won’t release it until the last minute. I feel much more fired up than four years ago. I have very clear ideas on the tactics, but so far haven’t been able to test them in friendlies because of injuries.”