Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has pushed back at comments from Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso. He suggested the criticism comes from a lack of understanding of South American football.
Gattuso had sparked the debate earlier by saying it was not fair for six South American teams to qualify directly for the World Cup… Especially as UEFA groups are “so tight”. He also admitted it left him “a bit sad” to watch several South American sides secure their place with fewer games.
Italy’s recent record in qualifying adds context. The Azzurri have not reached a World Cup since 2014 and now face another uphill task.
Speaking to the Argentine media and relayed by **[TyC Sports](https://www.tycsports.com/seleccion-argentina/seleccion-argentina-emiliano-dibu-martinez-contesto-gennaro-gattuso-cupos-mundial-no-saben-lo-que-es-sudamerica-id698734.html)**, the Aston Villa player responded after Gattuso questioned the number of World Cup places awarded to Conmebol nations.
Martínez argued that European teams enjoy conditions that South American sides rarely see. He said: _“They always play on perfect pitches, watered… They don’t know what South America is. There are other difficulties that they don’t see in Europe.”_
The goalkeeper highlighted long travel distances, demanding environments and the pressure that accompanies every Conmebol qualifier.
Martínez’s reaction has put an Aston Villa player at the centre of a wider discussion about the contrasting realities of international football. The next steps in this debate remain open.