DUISBURG, Germany, June 28 - Defeating underdogs Australia, especially
with a dubious last minute penalty, was never going to make Italy popular but
the Azzurri have not taken kindly to criticism of their second round
performance.
"Everyone against Italy" was the headline in Wednesday's edition of La
Repubblica, which carried a full page review of the international press's
criticism of Marcello Lippi's side.
At the last World Cup, Italian media raged about refereeing decisions that
went against them but with fortune favouring the Azzurri this time, the Italian
media have prickled instead at criticism of their team's tactics.
Italy defender Alessandro Nesta said the negative reaction revealed fear of
his side.
"If everyone is attacking us then it means they are afraid of us," Nesta told
reporters on Wednesday.
"We are indifferent to all this stuff, the words fly away with the wind. By
now it has become a tradition to attack Italian football and it seems to be in
fashion," he added.
Nesta said he believed that, contrary to the critics, Italy have played more
attacking football at this World Cup than previous editions.
Team mate Marco Materazzi, who will miss Friday's quarter-final against
Ukraine after being sent off against Australia, said putting on a show however
should not be a priority.
"We will leave entertainment to others. You will see it from Italy after July
9," he said, referring to the date of the final.
Nesta displayed a similar attitude when asked about the image the Italian
team have presented at the World Cup.
After the Serie A match-fixing scandal erupted, Italian Football Federation
officials said the team had a double-task at the finals - to win but also to
improve the image of Italian football.
