“That’s shameful”: Trouble in Italy’s ski team

Matteo Marsaglia was clearly annoyed when he stepped in front of the RAI microphone on Tuesday after the Super-G. “I think it’s shameful,” said the veteran from Rome. However, the talk wasn't about his race, in which he was the best Azzurro in 18th place , but rather about the events that have happened in the last few hours - and which do not reflect well on the Italian winter sports association FISI.

On Monday evening in our time, a few hours before the race, Marsaglia caused a stir with accusations against the association. “They asked me if I could give up the Super-G because they would like Mattia Casse to drive,” he said. Background: Casse has significantly better results in the Super-G than Marsaglia. However, he was not nominated for the Olympics, but still traveled to China to be able to step in as a substitute driver. However, this is only possible if a quota place becomes available or if an Azzurri athlete, i.e. either Dominik Paris, Christof Innerhofer or Matteo Marsaglia, cannot take part in the race due to injury or corona. “You’re trying to turn me against Mattia Casse.” Matteo Marsaglia “I explained to them that I couldn’t do that. Should I say that I am sick, thus making a false declaration? You don't joke with things like that. And why should I even do something like that? "To correct the mistake of those responsible that we only have seven starting places?" explained an angry Marsaglia.

Matteo Marsaglia during his Super-G ride. © ANSA / GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO

“If they don’t want me to start, then I won’t start. But I won't pass on my Olympic ticket, then they should start in pairs (Innerhofer and Paris, editor's note). They're trying to turn me against Mattia Casse. But he is my friend, I will be his best man. No, they can't do it. They’ve been trying to pressure me to quit for four years, why should I do them this favor?” FISI defends itself, Marsaglia fights back These are harsh words from Marsaglia, which were denied by Massimo Rinaldi, the sports director of the men's skiing team. “I never made such a request to Matteo. I never asked him to make false statements either. That would have legal consequences. But it should also be said that Marsaglia came fourth in the downhill this year, but is in 39th place in the Super-G ranking.”

When Marsaglia was asked by the RAI about what happened after Tuesday's Super-G, he said: "Tell me: for what reason should I have come up with such a statement? I think that's shameful. This goes against all the values of sport that I have been taught over the years.” What does Casse say? Mattia Casse also commented on the matter on social networks. He defends his colleague Marsaglia and describes his point of view. “Matteo is not just a teammate, he is also a good friend. He's in Beijing to race and he deserves it. I came to China hoping that one of the quota places would become available. In my heart I hoped that the races in Dubai, Kolasin and Melbun ( which were supposedly faked , note Red.) will be canceled. It is no secret that these races were organized to pursue goals other than sport. I hope that such injustice will never be repeated again.”

One thing is clear: the whole affair does not reflect well on Italy's ski team.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Hockey

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

“That’s shameful”: Trouble in Italy’s ski team

The Olympic Games have so far been forgettable for the ski men from Italy. The Azzurri are making a name for themselves off the piste, but in a negative sense.

Suggestions

Comments (1)