#2077
Lippi insists no row with AC Milan's Gilardino
tribalfootball.com - September 5, 2005
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has shrugged off criticism of his late axing of Alberto Gilardino from his team for Saturday's disappointing 1-1 draw with Scotland.
"Until yesterday (Saturday) I did not know what was happening," said Gilardino. "The coach has only said to me his decision, explaining that he has made it on technical grounds and adding to prepare myself well, without specifying, if I want to play against Belorussia."
Lippi was lambasted for leaving the AC Milan star out, but the coach said: "I believed Alberto was not at his peak, while Iaquinta has done very well and you have seen on the pitch how many chances he created.
"I made the decision after the last training session. Gilardino is training in order to improve the shape on Wednesday sight. I have spoken with him and he seemed to me in agreement."
#2077