Italy coach Lippi hurt by fans jeers

Italy coach Marcello Lippi admits he's hurt by the boos from fans.

Lippi has been barracked by fans over his continued omission of Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano.

After victory over Sweden, Lippi said: “Yesterday I said that I had not heard those jeers, but I definitely did. They weren’t as bad as some people said, but I did hear them. Was I hurt? Naturally that sort of thing can’t make you happy.”

It was particularly galling for the 2006 World Cup winner, as he had earned promotion with club side Cesena in 1990.

“I don’t know if my rapport with the fans has been broken, but I can assure you nothing has changed with the Nazionale. I continue to work hard, giving all of myself for this squad,” he continued.

“I was told that at the training session in Francavilla there were two adults in the stands urging the kids to chant Cassano’s name. That’s the level we’re at now.

“I don’t think it has ever happened that a Coach has won the World Cup, left and returned to this sort of reception. I cannot explain why and above all it is a nasty situation for the players.”