Gianluigi Buffon as “amused” by the pro-Antonio Cassano pitch invasion, but Marcello Lippi took the Arsene Wenger route. “I didn’t see it.”
Just a few minutes into last night’s 0-0 draw with Holland, a spectator ran on to the pitch wearing a Superman shirt that read ‘Cassano in the Nazionale.’
“People should not run on to the field during a game, but it was an amusing gesture and did not cause problems for us,” said the Italy goalkeeper.
“After all, I used to wear the Superman shirt too! The Cassano controversy does not disturb us, but I hope it doesn’t affect you journalists…”
It was the latest excuse for the media to question why the Sampdoria star was not taking part in an Azzurri match.
Coach Lippi has repeatedly refused to even discuss the reasons behind the snub and was not swayed by the pitch invasion.
“At that moment I had taken my glasses off and without them I can’t see anything,” smiled the tactician.
“The crowd were exemplary. I did not hear any jeers or chants against us. You know I never play the role of the monkey who covers his eyes or ears, as when I see or hear something, I do not hesitate to respond.”
Lippi was furious after Italy’s last game, a 3-2 victory over Cyprus, when he slammed the Stadio Tardini crowd for being “ungrateful.”
The match with Holland was not a scintillating performance either, but Buffon isn’t worried.
“The Nazionale did alright, although I don’t think the fans were too entertained. We were facing a very strong Dutch side and I am not worried, as there are another six months until the World Cup. Clearly in South Africa we’ll have to do better.”