Italy national team coach Marcelo Lippi is not a happy man. The Italian tactician stated that the Nerazzurri are not too Italian. Marcelo Lippi spoke these words on Tuesday before Inter’s 1-0 win over Chelsea that ensured their progression into the quarter final.
“What is there Italian about Inter for example? They are all foreigners including the coach.” Those are pretty harsh words for the defending Serie A champions. In Lippi’s eyes, the true expression of Italian football resides in the national team and Serie A clubs Palermo, Genoa and Chievo Verona.
Maybe Lippi is forgetting that Inter have Davide Santon, Mario Balotelli and Marco Materazzzi in their ranks. These are very talented players with a bright future ahead of them all except of course Materazzi. These recent statements make me believe that Lippi has some sought of grudge with the Nerazzurri.
Despite Balotelli’s impeccable performances for Inter, Lippi has resisted mounting pressure from fans to include the youngster in the senior team. Lippi has instead told Balotelli to focus on winning all that he can with the Italy U-21 side. Now there is no question that Balotelli is a talented player and if included in the senior team he could play a huge part.
I do agree that Inter need to nurture more homegrown players that would strengthen the clubs structure however, this should not deflect attention from the clubs momentous victory over Chelsea. Inter are the only remaining Italian team in the Champions League and if that does not prove the calibre of their talent, then maybe Palermo, Genoa and Chievo should get the chance to represent the nation and then maybe we can compare the two.
Photo credit: Lucidnost
