Tare: "In The Last 10-15 Years Immobile Has Proven Himself To Be The Best Striker In Italy, The Statistics Speak For Themselves, But Treating Him As A Scapegoat Is Like A Defeat For All Italian Football."

Lazio director, Igli Tare has backed and defended Italy striker Ciro Immobile, who has been heavily criticized after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. He also confirmed he gave the Capital's squad a tough word after the derby defeat to Roma.

Lazio has just returned to victory, beating visiting Sassuolo 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday (02/04). It was the Biancoceleste's first game after a 3-0 thrashing to city rivals Roma, where they ended up seventh in the Serie A standings.

"There was a meeting with the team, but it was a difficult and important discussion. I think the team knew that if they lowered their guard, it would pay," Igli Tare said on DAZN.

After that defeat, the Italian national team lost to North Macedonia, which prevented them from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, and Ciro Immobile was one of the most criticized players.

"I think it's a shame to doubt Immobile because in the last 10 to 15 years he has proven himself to be the best striker in Italy, the statistics speak for themselves," added the director.

"As for Italy, it was a defeat for the entire football movement and the Nazionale as well, but treating Immobile as a scapegoat is like a defeat for all Italian football."