AS reports that Cesare Prandelli’s squad selection for Wednesday’s international friendly between Italy and Spain in Madrid has been beset by controversy.Speaking ahead of the midweek clash, the Italy coach was forced to defend his decision to call-up veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini, who has not played for Juventus in three weeksbecause of injury, as well as respond to questions about the decision to drop AS Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi for punching striker Mauro Icardi duringRoma’s 0-0 clash against Inter Milan over the weekend.
When asked to respond in particular to criticism from Juve coach Antonio Conte of his decision to add Chiellini tothe squad, Prandelli said simply, “When I see a player on the field, or on the bench, I have the right, I repeat the right, to call him up.” He added: “I don’t want to go argue with Conte. Icongratulate him for his manager of the year award. I would have voted for him too.”
Regarding the decision to drop Roma’s De Rossi, he said: “We have a code of ethics that we subscribeto. We should go to the World Cup prepared in terms of behavior. I don’t want to arrive in Brazil and play with 10 men. I am the only judge of acts that might render you unavailable.”