Italy coach Antonio Conte has called for independence as the press criticised parts of his management after the 2-2 draw with Bulgaria.
The hosts struck two counter-attack goals to come from behind before Brazilian-born striker Eder netted on his national team debut to keep Conte’s side unbeaten in Group H of their Euro 2016 qualifiers – but still two points behind Croatia.
“It is a major challenge to see if the called-up players are right for this squad, and some decisions are not taken peacefully and that hurts us – I ask only to work and be left alone,” the ex-Juventus coach told his post-match press conference in reference to the controversy surrounding Sampdoria’s Eder.
“I was encouraged by our performance; we had intensity, possession and chances. But after conceding two on the counter I do not like the result.”
The Azzurri face a crunch match in Zagreb against the group leaders in June, but first they take on Roy Hodgson’s rejuvenated England in a friendly at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday night.
“The England game is high-profile, I have players that I need to evaluate in an important match.
“Croatia are proving stronger than Italy at the moment, we’ll compete for qualification with Norway and work to close the gap above us.”