Former England boss Capello bites back at Rooney: He only understands Scottish

'Rooney only understands Scottish' - Former England boss Capello hits back

Jun 26, 2012 5:32:00 PM

The Manchester United forward claimed that the Italian's tactical instructions were lost in translation but the 66-year-old has now slammed his poor performance against Italy

Fabio Capello has hit back at Wayne Rooney's "lost in translation" jibe, slamming the striker's performance in England's Euro 2012 quarter-final defeat by Italy.

The Manchester United forward angered the Italian by claiming that players found it easier to adapt to Roy Hodgson's methods because there were no longer any communication problems.

However, following Rooney's poor showing against the Azzurri in Kiev, Capello has suggested that the 26-year-old can only take tactical instructions from Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"After watching the last game, I think that Rooney only understands Scottish," the 66-year-old is quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

Despite his country's victory, the 66-year-old went on to voice concern over the Italians' lack of cutting-edge ahead of their semi-final clash with Germany.

"Italy played a great match against England, but the Azzurri have a problem: they need a great striker that can finish the huge amount of chances they are making," the Champions League winner lamented.

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"However, I think it's right that [Cesare] Prandelli will continue with [Mario] Balotelli and [Antonio] Cassano up front against the Germans."

But Capello is confident that the Azzurri's forwards will eventually come good, especially if those behind them continue to create openings.

"[Andrea] Pirlo it's the best midfielder in the world along with [Daniele] De Rossi," the former AC Milan coach enthused.

"But I hope that [Giorgio] Chiellini will come back into the defence against Germany; he's so important for Italy."

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