Bukayo Saka was mocked by sections of the Italian media, following England’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to the Azzurri in Friday’s UEFA Nations League.
Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that Saka still looked shocked by Giorgio Chiellini’s foul in the Euro 2020 final.
The Arsenal star went on to miss the crucial penalty which saw Italy lift the European championship inside Wembley.
Saka had played 72 minutes for England on Friday before Gareth Southgate eventually decided to substitute him for Luke Shaw.
Saka was the most disappointing player on the pitch according to Gazzetta, who handed him a 4.5/10 rating, less than any other English or Italian star.
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Italian Journalist Fabio Licari wrote: “One would want to tell him: ‘No worries Saka, Chiellini is no longer here’. He was still shocked, a phantom on the left flank and Southgate made it worse by keeping him on the pitch for 72 minutes.”
Licari was alluding to Chiellini’s late tactical foul during the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy. As Saka stormed over halfway in the Euro 2020 final, the Italian defender pulled on the Arsenal star’s shirt around his neck.
England fans expected a red card, but only a yellow was shown at the time which created a lot of unrest.
Despite Saka eventually missing the crucial penalty, before England’s defeat to Italy on Friday evening, the youngster was awarded with England Men’s Player of the Year award for the first time. It came after a stellar season for his club and country.
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COMMENTS
It’s beat my imagination how foreign born players still opt to play for their adopted countries instead of their country of Origin despite the shabby and racial treatment. For how long will Saka continue to suffer Abuse anytime England losses. For goodness sake leave him alone. He is not a god. Even Messi and Christiano have been on the losing side once upon a time.
He made the decision to pitch his tent with three Lions so he should deal with it.