18 Nov Coach in Italy stunningly sacked after 27-0 win

A youth coach in Italy has been sensationally sacked despite his team winning 27-0.

Massimiliano Riccini was dismissed after leading Invictasauro’s under-18 side to a mammoth victory over Marina Calcio.

Two Invictasauro players scored six goals each and one netted seven in the alarmingly one-sided game.

The sporting director of bottom side Marina Calcio, Tiberio Pratesi, accused Invictasauro of disrespecting his injury ravaged side with one of their outfield players having to play in goal.

A representative of Invictasauro phoned Pratesi to apologise for the result which prompted a statement from Invictasauro president Paolo Brogelli.

"We were stunned and deeply regretful when hearing that our Juniores team had beaten Marina Calcio 27-0," Brogelli said.

"The values of youth team football are antithetical to such a thing. The opponent must always be respected and that did not happen today.

"As president, I sincerely apologise to the Marina club. I announce that our directors decided, unanimously, to sack coach Riccini.

"Our coaches have the duty to train young players, but above all to educate them. That did not happen today."

Riccini responded to the shock sacking, denying any disrespect towards their beleaguered opponent.

"No-one in the Invictasauro has ever thought of humiliating or ridiculing the adversary voluntarily," Riccini told Italian publication GrossetoSport.

"We played without sectarianism, without competitive malice and committing very few fouls.

"Juniores are old enough to understand situations.

"Scoring 27 goals is not lack of respect, it would have been to make a 'bull' for 80 minutes or help the opposing team to score a few goals.

"The real defeat is to see how much hypocrisy, banality and poverty of mind come out without any knowledge of the facts."

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