Petrucci praises quiet Azzurri

Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) President Gianni Petrucci has praised the Azzurri response to controversial comments from the France camp ahead of Saturday’s clash.

France coach Raymond Domenech stirred controversy ahead of the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier at the San Siro by making allegations of corruption against Italian football.

The remarks caused outrage within Italy, but the ex-France Under-21 boss was unable to back them up and has been banned from the bench by UEFA for the crunch match.

Les Bleus midfielder Lassana Diarra has intensified controversy by labelling Italy a nation of ‘provokers and cheats’, but there has been no response from the Azzurri who plan to let their football do the talking.

Petrucci believes that Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Giancarlo Abete and tactician Roberto Donadoni have done the right thing by keeping tight-lipped.

"Abete and Donadoni have scored the first goal with their calm, dignified and civil response," Petrucci asserted. "They have never replied to Domenech and that is the correct reaction. We are friends with the French in all sports and fair play is the best way to respond to controversy."

Source: C4 Football Italia