Criscito disappointed to miss Euro 2012 chance

Sep 12, 2012 1:45:00 PM

The Italian left-back, who was excluded from Italy's squad for the tournament after allegations of match-fixing has now seen the charges against him dropped

Domenico Criscito has revealed that the Italian court's decision to drop the match-fixing chances against him due to a "lack of evidence" has brought him a mixture of emotions.

The Zenit St Petersburg left-back was excluded from Cesare Prandelli's Euro 2012 squad after he was alleged to have taken part in the Scommessopoli scandal during his time at Genoa.

And, after hearing that he will not face further sanctions, Criscito expressed his disappointment at not being involved in his country's run to the competition's final.

"I am very happy as this is a good day for me. At the same time, I remain very angry at losing the chance to go to the Euros, especially as I always maintained my innocence," he told Sky Italia.

"Will I request compensation? No, that's not even an option. I am trying to take this situation in a calm manner, even if I have been scarred by the experience.

"It's only natural to be tense in these situations, especially straight after the dawn raid but as a professional I would've left those thoughts outside the pitch."

Criscito failed to make the squad for Italy's 2014 World Cup qualifying matches against Bulgaria and Malta, but insisted that he is only focused on matters at club level.

"Why am I not called up to the Nazionale now?" he said. "I don't know, but I am very concentrated on Zenit. If I continue to do well in Russia and Europe then I think the Italy call will come."

Italy's next qualifier is away at Armenia on Friday October 12.

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