World Cup 2010

Italy Coach Marcello Lippi Refuses To Ditch Old Players For Youngsters

The Italians were crushed by the South Americans, placing further pressure on the under-fire coach.

Jun 21, 2009 10:45:29 PM

Italy coach Marcello Lippi tries to explain the debacle after losing 3-0 to Brazil

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Italy coach Marcello Lippi tries to explain the debacle after losing 3-0 to Brazil

Teams

Brazil
Italy

Players

Marcello Lippi

Italy are out of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, after putting in arguably their worst performance of the past decade, which resulted in a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Brazil.

The Azzurri managed to score just three goals in the entire tournament, all of which came in their first match against the United States, the nation that will join the Brazilians in the final four.

Marcello Lippi was understandably disappointed following the contest, and one would expect that the his position as coach of the country will come under further scrutiny in the coming days.

“We are sorry to be out of the competition, but it is not because Brazil are stronger than us,” Lippi affirmed in a post match press conference.

“We knew that Brazil were always going to be strong, as they are one of the best in the world.”

The coach continued by responding to those who have criticized him for not selecting younger players for this particular tournament.

He added, “You speak about young players. Which young players? Do you just throw young players into these matches? Youngsters have to be introduced gradually.

“We must stay calm, and keep in mind that it is important to have experience in these types of matches.

“You can’t just throw in seven or eight young players, because they have to be mature. [Giuseppe] Rossi has played three games, not entirely, but he did, so I don’t know what you are talking about.

“My plan is not going to change. I am sticking to my plan. I feel sad, as do the players because they were unable to portray Italy in the right manner tonight, but we know that we can do better.”

Lippi was finally asked about whether or not he would bring a number of younger players with him to next year’s World Cup, and in response he simply stated “goodbye”.

The Italians will resume their World Cup qualifying campaign for 2010 in September, with a match away to Georgia.

Adrian Del Monte, Goal.com