Among the 35 names called up by Roberto Mancini for the training camp that gives the Italy coach the last chance to see up close the players who will be called up for the play-offs in March, there are two others Italian-Brazilians: João Pedro, from Cagliari, and Luiz Felipe, from Lazio.
With them, the total number of Italian-Brazilians in Mancini's administration reaches five, including Jorginho, Emerson Palmieri e silly; the three European champions last year at Wembley.
A choice that another player doesn't like who wore the blue shirt for 17 times between 2002 and 2008, also scoring one goal: Nicola Legrottaglie.
The 45-year-old former defender of Juventus, Bologna and Milan, among others, currently coach of Pescara, explains why, according to him, the two should not be called up to the national team.
“I know João Pedro, a very good boy, even Luiz Felipe will certainly be a very good boy, nothing against it, but on this matter I completely disagree with the choices. But not for the players, for the concept, for the principle. Because we will have players who are not really Italian”, says the former defender.
“It’s one thing to talk about players who were born in Italy and have always lived in Italy, but here we are actually talking about two Brazilians”, argues the man from Bari, according to the portal Fanpage.
To Legrottaglie, the Italian-Brazilians accept a call-up to the Italian National Team due to pure opportunism: “There is no feeling of belonging”.
Talks a lot
João Pedro himself, in fact, radically changed his opinion on the issue.
A few months ago, the athlete said in an interview with Calciopedia which had completely excluded the idea of being able to wear the Italy shirt for heartfelt reasons and feeling of homeland.
“I have Italian citizenship, but I never thought about playing for the Italian national team. I specifically couldn't. First, because I'm Brazilian. Period. I compare it to going to war: if I have to go, I'll go for Brazil because I'm Brazilian and I'm dying for my country. I've already played more than 50 games for the Brazilian youth national team, I know how different it is to wear that jersey, it's indescribable. I'd rather never go to the national team again, which could happen, than go to the Italian national team.” Italian selection, even though I have citizenship.”
As of this Tuesday (25), João Pedro – who is married to an Italian – will be in Coverciano to defend the Italian team.
