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Marcello Lippi: “Spain and Croatia could stitch-up Italy”

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The former Italy manager has cited the Villarreal example to stress that La Roja’s famed sporting spirit could end up being a hoax to knockout the Azzurri.
Marcello Lippi has voiced his belief that Italy and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926, and has pointed out that there have been instances of such non-sporting activities in La Liga.
The Nazionale need a win from their last group match against Ireland, but may still be knocked out of the tournament if the match between La Roja and the Blazers ends with the score line at 2-2.
The situation brings bitter memories of the Azzurri’s Euro 2004 campaign, when they were gutted from an identical situation due to a controversial 2-2 draw between http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Denmark-c2884.
Both http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011 and Croatia have expressed their anger at being suggested something like that, but Lippi has stated that the event may not be as far from reality as expected.
The manager of Chinese outfit, Guangzhou Evergrande, pointed out that he witnessed a similar act in La Liga, when a 1-0 result in Rayo Vallecano vs. Granada match sealed Villarreal’s surprise relegation from Spain’s top flight.
The veteran tactician suggested that the event stands testament to the fact that the Spaniards have been involved in stitching-up matches, and could do so once again to suit their purpose.
While talking to the press, the 64-year-old said:
“I know that in the final round of La Liga this season Villarreal went down because two teams reached a result that suited both of them. The Spanish do this sort of thing too.”
Lippi insisted that it is an age old tactic of such teams to appear honourable, before stooping to activities that put the game to shame.
The former Juventus manager stated that Rayo Vallecano and Granada did it to suit their interest, and he will not be surprised if it happens once again in the Euros.
“Teams always start off by saying ‘How dare you put our tradition in doubt? We play to win, always,’ and then they end up doing whatever suits their interests. Every time, funnily enough, the result they wanted seems to occur...” He added.

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