Topics: FiFA World Cup, World Cup 2014, Italy, Cesare Prandelli, Mattia Destro, Giuseppe Rossi
Prandelli's exclusions of Rossi and Destro caused the three to engage in an online debate.

Immediately after finding out that he was not on the list of 23 players leaving for Brazil, Giuseppe Rossi vented his frustration on Twitter, where he described Cesare Prandelli’s decision as “laughable.” Moreover, in a recent interview, the young Italian talent reiterated his sadness and disappointment with Italy’s coach, who, according to the striker, unfairly snubbed him.

Prandelli responded to the accusations and argued that Rossi had been aware of the exclusion for some time. The Italian manager stated:

“I told him that it was a painful decision because he is an amazing guy. I repeated a few times: Beppe, you are not in the 23. I didn't expect to see what Giuseppe Rossi tweeted. He knew the truth.”

Giuseppe Rossi's disappointment is understandable; Prandelli's choice to play him against Ireland is less understandable

However, the player’s reaction does not seem like the reaction of an informed player. To add to the confusion, although apparently Prandelli already decided that Pepito Rossi would stay home, former Fiorentina coach decided to play the American-Italian striker against Ireland just days before releasing the list.

Pepito Rossi should have been included, especially since Italy will play with only one striker, Immobile

Cesare Prandelli defended his decision on the basis that, although Rossi is a great talent, the many injuries and surgeries that the player collected throughout his life, represented too big of a risk. The manager reasoned:

“It would have been very easy to choose Giuseppe Rossi, but it would have been too big a risk.”

As to the exclusions of AS Roma striker, Mattia Destro, Prandelli explained that the striker was excluded because he did not want to go to Brazil as a reserve.

Destro's controversial exclusion also caused a back-and-forth between the involved parties

Meanwhile, Destro, who has the best minutes/goals ratio in Serie A, posted on Twitter that he never refused any position on the team, suggesting once again that Prandelli may be fabricating some of his reasons. This is particularly suspicious since Roma’s forward tweet occurred before Italy’s coach announced the motive behind the unpopular exclusion.