Aston Villa and Argentina hero Emi Martinez has hit back at Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
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Emiliano Martinez has hit back at Italian legend Gennaro Gattuso.
Italy head coach Gattuso has called for the World Cup qualifying format to be reviewed as the Azzurri look set for a play-off to try to qualify for next summer’s tournament, being in second place behind Norway in UEFA qualifying Group I.
Martinez’s Argentina, however, have already qualified as they aim to defend their crown in the United States, Mexico and Canada, topping the CONMEBOL qualifying table.
Gattuso has criticised the World Cup qualifying format, believing it to be imbalanced between the different confederations.
“We've talked about it before, but to see South American groups with 10 teams, of which six qualify and the seventh goes to a play-off against Oceania... the biggest regret is that - not qualifying directly. We definitely need to review the criteria," said Gattuso.
Aston Villa’s Martinez is currently on international duty as Argentina prepare for a friendly against Angola.
And, responding to Gattuso’s comments, he said: “They always play on perfect, wet pitches and they don’t know what South America is like.”
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