The stakes ahead of Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier between Italy
and France have just reached the skies, with Lassana Diarra
branding the Italians as "cheats and provokers."
"Everyone knows the reputation the Italians have is of cheats and
provokers," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport, holding little
back.
"The important thing is not to fall into their traps. I am a black
man and in Italy we often get insulted, not just by the fans, but
also by the players.
"Having said that, the situation does seem to be improving."
"It doesnt matter whether or not Domenech will be on the bench,
because he will follow us until the last minute and then his staff
know what to do," he continued, expressing confidence on France's
prospects.
"Italy have Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo, but we have Claude
Makelele and Vieira. I really dont think the Azzurri have the
stronger pairing."
He ended on a worrying, yet, under the circumstances, a very
realistic note: "It will be difficult at San Siro, because the
atmosphere will be very tense."
The stewards will most certainly be out in numbers!
