World Cup 2010

Simone Pepe Grateful To Marcello Lippi For Defending Italy Squad

The Udinese man has backed the coach, who was fuming after the Azzurri's game against Cyprus...

Oct 16, 2009 9:21:42 PM

Simone Pepe - Udinese-Siena - Serie A (Grazia Neri)

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Simone Pepe - Udinese-Siena - Serie A (Grazia Neri)

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Simone Pepe has given his support to Marcello Lippi, who has received criticism from some quarters for his reaction after Italy's match against Cyprus.

As a result, the Udinese player has thanked the coach for protecting the team after he blasted the fans who whistled the Azzurri during last Wednesday's game.

"Lippi is a smart coach and has demonstrated that by winning everything in his career," Pepe announced to Italian news agency AGI.

"His choices must be respected and it's not right to whistle the players at the first sign of trouble, a squad that had already qualified and with 11 completely different players with regard to the previous game.

"The supporters did not make a good impression and Lippi has done well to defend the group."

Pepe also waded into the debate surrounding Antonio Cassano, and believes that the Sampdoria forward has not done enough to warrant a call up.

"I don't understand why there is so much talk about [Cassano] when [Antonio] Di Natale has already scored nine goals in seven games."

Anthony Wright, Goal.com