Zoff defends Azzurri fans as coach gets Lippi

FORMER Italy coach Dino Zoff last night hit out at Azzurri boss Marcelo Lippi for his negative reaction to fans in Parma following the Azzurri’s narrow victory over Cyprus on Wednesday night.

Some of those in attendance booed Lippi and also chanted the name of Antonio Cassano, the Sampdoria striker whom Lippi has not selected in any of his squads since reclaiming the reins after Euro 2008.

The fans grew impatient with Italy losing 2-0 in their last World Cup qualifier before Alberto Gilardino turned the game around, scoring a hat-trick in the last 13 minutes.