Milena Bertolini is to step down as Italy’s women’s football coach after being criticised by her players as the Italians failed to reach the World Cup knockout stages.
The 57-year-old had been in charge since 2017 with her contract running till the end of August.
Her players had taken to social media following the shock 3-2 defeat by South Africa in their final group match, which put them on an early plane home, posting an open letter.
While it did not name Bertolini, it was plain at whom their criticism was aimed as they claimed though they had “not been scared, we felt a lack of confidence” and had “difficult (meetings) first at Euro 2022 and now this World Cup.”
Bertolini, who guided Italy to the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals, posted a defiant message on Instagram late on Sunday as she bade farewell.
“The search for a scapegoat is too easy and obvious,” said Bertolini, a playing legend for her country who was capped 150 times.
“The risk is to get involved in in-fighting and not present a united front against our opponents.
“As a result, I feel no resentment nor do I feel I am to blame and I will not look for someone to blame.”
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 1 week agoSaudi oil giant Aramco agrees major FIFA sponsorship deal
Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Aramco and world football governing body FIFA on Thursday...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoSon scores but Thailand hold South Korea in World Cup qualifier
Son Heung-min scored but South Korea were held 1-1 at home by Thailand in...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoJapan-N. Korea World Cup game to stay in Pyongyang, JFA says
Japan’s World Cup qualifier against North Korea will be played in Pyongyang as planned...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoGerman ex-FA bosses on trial over World Cup tax evasion
Three German ex-top football officials went on trial on Monday in a 13.7-million-euro ($14.8...
By AFP