Times of India
Oct 12 2012
Armenia goal should not have stood: Prandelli
YEREVAN: Italy coach Cesare Prandelli hit out at the referee of their
World Cup qualifying win in Armenia for not stopping play following a
clash of heads immediately before the hosts’ goal.
Andrea Pirlo put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot in the 13th
minute but a spirited Armenia levelled in controversial circumstances
a quarter of an hour later.
Match refree Marijo Strahonja did not blow his whistle despite seeing
a clash of heads between Christian Maggio and Davit Manoyan, allowing
Henrikh Mkhitaryan to surge forward and beat Gianluigi Buffon with an
angled drive at his far post.
Italy won 3-1 to reinforce their lead of Group B but despite being
buoyed by an improved all round performance Prandelli suggested
Armenia’s 27th minute leveller should not have stood.
“When two players collide with their heads, you stop play. The referee
didn’t do it and that’s why I protested,” said the Italy coach.
Italy took the lead when Roma’s Daniele De Rossi got his head to a
superb curling freekick from Pirlo.
Argentine-born striker Pablo Osvaldo made it an all-Rome third goal
for the visitors when he headed De Rossi’s 82nd minute freekick past
Roman Berezovsky in the Armenia goal.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
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