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Italy's friendly draw with Netherlands last weekend was blemished by the first-half injury sustained by newly-installed spearheading striker Robin van Persie following a robust challenge from Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. However, the Juventus player denies he harboured nasty intentions.
He is reported to have told Press Association Sport: "I have never gone into a tackle to hurt anyone in my entire life and Van Persie said the same thing.
"If you look at the footage it's clear it was not a nasty challenge," reasoned the centre-back.
"Some people tried to stir up trouble to distract attention from the performance.
"I was the first to be upset about Van Persie and hope he'll recover as soon as possible.
"I was actually surprised he was injured from that situation."
Van Persie is expected to be out of action for six weeks to two months. However, the creative Arsenal star is undergoing experimental placenta massage treatment which, it is claimed, can help reduce the rehabilitation period.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com UK
