Italy will miss the World Cup again. Such humiliation was virtually unthinkable throughout the entire history of Italian football, but it’s the reality – and everyone who loves the game has a way of dealing with it. Sadly, many fans have pointed their finger as hotshot striker Ciro Immobile as the main culprit. But his coach at club level Maurizio Sarri won’t stand for that.”I spoke to Immobile and I told him what I think. He is becoming the national team’s scapegoat and he knows exactly what’s behind it. I’d know what to do in his place. Let’s see what he decides. It’s useless to say what I’d do. It’s all down to Ciro. He is fully committed to this environment. He is reactive, and I am not worried about his performances for Lazio.”Salary anomaly: United are the most generous but trophyless, Bale and Hazard are ‘killing’ Real Madrid, Neymar earns twice as much as MbappeGli Azzuri produced a terrible performance in their World Cup play-off semi-final against North Macedonia. They held the ball for 90 minutes and had many shots on goal, but neither of them was good enough. It was utter futility from start to finish.”I have my idea, and I’ve heard silly things about Italian football. Italy had 32 shots against North Macedonia and conceded a goal with just two goals on target.”Sarri says that the infrastructure in Italy is too outdated for world-class football.”Here in Italy, we are 30-35 years behind the others, but nobody talks about structures and training facilities. When I moan about the quality of the pitches in the league, everyone says that I always complain. If you watch a Bundesliga game and you switch to one of Serie A, you ask yourself: ‘Where the hell am I?'”Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri hints that Immobile should retire from international football Sarri: “I spoke to Ciro Immobile immediately. He’s been made the scapegoat of this situation. He needs to focus on Lazio. I know what I’d do in his shoes but it’s up to him” https://t.co/cuneeMzUvI pic.twitter.com/kIRRJ1BKYY— Patrick Kendrick (@patrickendrick) April 1, 2022 Sarri’s team has an important match against Sassuolo this weekend. The last time out, they succumbed to a painful defeat against their city rivals Roma – something that’s left a bitter taste and a desire to make it up to the fans.”The game against Roma was inexplicable. You can lose games, but with another reaction and commitment. I am furious with the players and with myself. I had the feeling that the emotional energy was not the right one before the game. I tried to intervene, but maybe I didn’t do it in the right way. Now we need pride without thinking about other stories. Future? We’ll see. For now, it’s the game against Sassuolo.”SERIE A – ROUND 31 Saturday 16.00: (2.25) Spezia (3.30) Venezia (3.60)19.00: (1.80) Lazio (3.80) Sassuolo (4.80)21.45: (4.40) Salernitana (3.50) Torino (1.95)Sunday 13.30: (1.58) Fiorentina (4.00) Empoli (6.00)16.00: (2.45) Atalanta (3.35) Napoli (3.10)16.00: (1.93) Udinese (3.50) Cagliari (4.50)19.00: (4.40) Sampdoria (3.60) Roma (1.92)21.45: (2.85) Juventus (3.20) Inter (2.70)*** odds are subject to change
