In the decisive match for salvation, the Pescara captain did not go to the spot and left the serve to Russo, who made a mistake. And, faced with criticism, he replied angrily on social media
Since the days of De Gregori’s “La Leva Calcistica Della Classe ’68”, penalty kicks have been at the center of debate and controversy. Between hierarchies overturned on the pitch with negative outcomes, mistakes that mark a career and an existence, goals that change lives. The latest case is what occurred yesterday during Padova-Pescara in Serie B, a direct clash in the relegation zone. It’s the 80th minute and at 0-0 the Abruzzo team have the opportunity to kick from the spot. However, Lorenzo Insigne does not appear at bat, but rather the young Flavio Russo. Sorrentino hypnotizes him and, to complete the prank, in the 94th minute, Pastina’s goal also arrives to condemn Pescara to defeat and relegation now one step away. And, inevitably, here comes the controversy.
famous and the penalty not taken in Padua
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Why didn’t the captain kick, also given the absence of the other penalty taker Di Nardo? In the heat of the moment, president Sebastiani spoke of a knee problem of which he was the victim, but coach Giorgio Gorgone told another version. “There are penalty takers, then whoever feels like it beats them. I can’t intervene from the bench on something that happens in the middle of the pitch – he clarifies -. Evidently Insigne didn’t feel like shooting it, I certainly don’t take the ball away from a player who already has it in his hands”. Open up heaven. The former Napoli winger, who so far with 5 goals and 3 assists had contributed to Pescara’s sensational comeback, ends up in the fans’ crosshairs for having backed out in the most important moment of the season. And, through social media, he replies piquedly. “I am honestly astounded by the statements I learned after the match, from which I completely dissociate myself, regarding the penalty not taken. Anyone who lives in the locker room every day knows well that certain decisions arise in a precise context, made up of respect, responsibility and team dynamics that deserve to be understood before being judged publicly – he writes in the Instagram stories -. I am sorry to read words that risk creating confusion among us and above all among you fans, who deserve clarity and truth. For my part, I have always put and will continue to put the good of the team at the first place, without hesitation.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport
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