Cagliari boss Claudio Ranieri weighed in on the gambling scandal impacting Serie A at present: ‘I feel sorry for these young people who throw themselves away despite having an important future’. Nicolo Fagioli, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo have all been implicated in the ‘scommesse’ case where players were using illegal gambling apps to place bets. Speaking ahead of Cagliari’s trip to Salerno tomorrow, Ranieri was the latest Italian coach to be asked about the scandal in his pre-match presser:
How have your boys experienced these two weeks?”
“They are not happy with the situation, but they are working very hard. If I notice various distractions, first I get pissed and then I yell at them. The boys know they are making mistakes that we don’t usually make. These 15 days have been important to work on them.
Lapadula?
“Today he did all the training with the group. Tomorrow he’ll want to come, even if he can’t play. I’ll talk to him tomorrow. Mancosu? I see him getting better and better, he trains well and can play in any role in the attack, even outside. It’s up to me to find his best position.
Will Scuffet play in Salerno?
‘Yes, he will play:
How will you manage the abundance in attack with the return of Lapadula?
‘I will choose those who run the most and replace them as soon as I see fatigue’.
How do you experience football at the age of 72?
“First of all I thank everyone for the good wishes. As far as I’m concerned, it’s nice to win, but happiness is limited to the day I win.
Is Nandez full-back an option?
“Nandez, I’ll put him in, regardless. He’s an option I keep in mind, he can play in various positions.”
Antonio Conte’s visit?
“It had been a long time since he promised to come and I was very pleased. We talked about various things.”
Your thoughts on the football scandal?
“They’re young kids, they have a lot of free time and they’re bored. I put myself in the parents’ shoes, who no matter how hard they try, will never get to know their children well. I have never placed a single bet on a coupon. I feel sorry for these young people who throw themselves away despite an important future’.
How is Petagna?
“He’s training very well and I can only praise him.”
Did Conte ask you anything about Roma?
“Absolutely not. We talked about London, Cagliari and other things.”
