Trapattoni slams Ibrahimovic for Allegri criticism

Posted Saturday, March 10, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Giovanni Trapattoni has hit out at Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Swede criticized Massimiliano Allegri's tactical approach in the wake of AC Milan's 3-0 loss to Arsenal.

Three first-half goals consigned the Italian champions to a convincing defeat, leading the 30-year-old to question the use of a 4-3-3 formation to the Swedish media, but Trapattoni has now called upon the former Barcelona man to shoulder some of the blame.

"Was he not on the field?" The 72-year-old asked Gazzetto Dello Sport. "Players exaggerate a little when they talk to their own nation's TV.

"It's up to Allegri to assemble the team, talk to the players and explain that you win and lose as a whole team.

"Sometimes there are players who are more important that others, but in Milan, Ibrahimovic is not the only champion."

The Ireland boss also spoke about Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, saying that the player's ability makes up for his erratic behavior.

"Mario is fantastic, he is physically strong and has exceptional shooting, but he has to learn that he can't do all that he wants to do. We can understand if his teammates are willing to accept his behavior.

"Sometimes when you play with a game-winner, you can ignore incorrect behavior."

Trapattoni went on to speak out about the state of the Italian national team, saying that Cesare Prandelli's men are behind several other countries.

"Italy are a good side and I know that us Italians always pull something out at these tournaments," he mused.

"However, I think that Spain, Germany, Netherlands and England are at a higher level than Italy."

Finally, the former Milan coach said that he feels that Ireland's status as underdog could work in its favor, despite a tough draw in the Euro 2012 group stage.

"Our chances? Never say never. Nobody is asking us to win the competition, but this could be an advantage.

"We'll look to surprise everyone in a difficult group, even if Spain and Italy are two battleships."

Trapattoni's Ireland faces Italy in the final game of Group C on June 18.