Berbizier blast for Le Bleu boss Laporte

ITALY COACH Pierre Berbizier has queried whether Bernard Laporte can lead hosts France to World Cup glory ahead of their Six Nations opener.

The ex-France captain, who also coached Les Bleus from 1991-95, said: “The coach is at the heart of the problems. I have never seen so many resources put at the French team’s disposal.

“But being given all the resources to be a success is one thing, using them properly is another.”

Berbizier claimed that Laporte does not stand comparison to Aime Jacquet, who took France to football World Cup success on home soil in 1998.

“There was the ‘Jacquet effect’ back then,” he said. “Many people believe that because the World Cup takes place in France this year, it’s going to be like in 1998.

“The only conviction I have about this World Cup is that it will be a great, popular success.”

“I hope that France will be crowned world champions, but I have my doubts.”

Italy have called up Roberto Mandelli after flanker Alessandro Zanni suffered a muscle strain while playing for Calvisano at the weekend.