Carletto does the charm thing a little late

By: Penny | May 31st, 2008

Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the Italian team for the Euros in a Corriere dello Sport interview the other day.

“There is only one choice made by the coach that I do not agree with, that is the place of Cassano instead of Inzaghi.

Pippo’s experience would have been useful for the team, especially when used in the last 20-30 minutes of matches. However, the responsibility for these decisions lies with the coach, who has done an excellent job.”

Well, he would say that, wouldn’t he, as someone once said. Perfect tact, particularly since Donadoni was apparently getting a little ired with questions as to why he hadn’t taken Inzaghi. “I don’t have to defend my decisions to anyone,” he thundered, which is true. If Italy win, no one will care whether Inzaghi went or not, if they don’t win, or at least do very well, explanations will not be necessary.

Inzaghi may get into an azzurri shirt this summer, though, as there is talk of him going as an over age player to the Olympics. Pierluigi Casiraghi, the manager of the under 21s is apparently considering the matter, “Inzaghi would be perfect,” he said “but at his age, would he want only 50 days between the end of the season and playing again?”

My guess is that Inzaghi would want to play, since that’s what he’s said, but you can understand Casiraghi being reluctant to have his team picked for him on the basis that it’s a consolation prize. I wonder as well if Milan would be willing to let Inzaghi go, if he is chosen, since they’ve apparently gone back on a promise to Kaka that he could play for Brazil. It would be interesting if they did. If nothing else the idea of Inzaghi celebrating his 35th birthday on August 9th amongst a load of 18 and 20 year olds is a sobering one.