Albertini confident despite scandal

Demetrio Albertini is confident the latest events in the ‘Scommessopoli’ scandal will not affect Italy’s Euro 2012 preparations.

Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito was dropped from Italy’s provisional squad for his European Championships after he came under investigation for his alleged role in the match-fixing scandal which has rocked Italian football.

Nevertheless, Italy Football Federation (FIGC) vice-president Albertini is hopeful the scandal will serve as motivation rather than a distraction for the Italy players.

Former AC Milan man Albertini drew parallels with 2006, when the ‘Calciopoli’ match-fixing revelations provided the background for Italy’s FIFA World Cup triumph.

“I am not worried about the European Championship. I wasn’t worried before and I am not now,” Albertini said.

“I already went through the 2006 scandal. I only hope that it brings good luck just as it did back then. We have a solid squad made of genuine people.”

Italy start their Euro 2012 campaign with a Group C match against defending champions Spain on June 10.