Football / World Cup USA '94: What the Italian papers say - doom, gloom and betrayal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.AFTER their 1-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Saturday the Italian papers immediately stepped up pressure on Arrigo Sacchi, the national coach. Gazzetta Sportiva said: 'What a Sacchi disaster' and La Stampa described the match as nothing less than a 'legendary fiasco'.
La Repubblica reached for files named hypebole and doom, proclaiming the result as the end of the World Cup dream and calling the side the worst Italy has ever fielded.
Corriere dello Sport hardly took it any better. They summed up the performance with 'Betrayal]' and called for a revolution in its main article, which attacked Sacchi for forcing the team into rigid patterns of play.
Writers across the country criticised the team's lacklustre play and picked apart the complicated passing and attack strategies favoured by Sacchi.
The Romans voted with their feet. The city streets emptied before the match and stayed so afterwards. 'Everyone is staying at home to cry,' said one restaurant waiter who had been watching the match outside on a small pocket television between serving courses.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments