Ventura: 'Pelle' won't be called'

By Football Italia staff

Giampiero Ventura confirmed he will not call Graziano Pellè for Italy’s next games because “he besmirched the image” of the Nazionale.

The Azzurri will face Lichtenstein in a World Cup qualifier on November 12, then host Germany in a friendly at San Siro on November 15.

The Shandong Luneng striker refused to shake his tactician’s hand when substituted during a match, then muttered offensive phrases when he got to the bench.

“Have I spoken to him? No, because the phone calls to China are too expensive…” Ventura told Rai Sport.

“I judged it for what it was, a mistake, but it was also a lack of respect for the Azzurri colours and he besmirched the image of the group. That was the biggest error he made.

“Next Sunday I don’t think he will be in the squad, because as I always said you need a period of reflection. He is not very young, but can still give something to Italy in future.”

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