Lega Nord politician Umberto Bossi has apologised for his "joke" after he infuriated the FIGC by suggesting Italy would "buy" their game with Slovakia.

The Federation was furious and released a statement noting he had "crossed the line with offensive and distasteful comments."

Now Bossi, whose Lega Nord party believes Italy should be split between North and South, has apologised.

"I apologise to the Nazionale," said the Minister for Reform. "It was a joke while I was with my own people.

"It's remarkable the trouble that it caused. Now I will be more careful when making jokes, or even not make them at all, seeing the problems that can be stirred up.

"In any case, I apologise to the Nazionale. I expect the Azzurri will win the World Cup and wish them all the best.

"I will say that I now know not to make fun of the Italy squad during a World Cup campaign. It's like insulting the saints."