Italian federation says politician’s World Cup bribe comment is offensive

Italian federation rebukes politian in bribe claim

ROME — Italian politician Umberto Bossi has drawn a sharp rebuke from the national soccer federation for remarks implying Italy would “buy” a victory in Thursday’s World Cup group match against Slovakia.

The defending champion Italians have had two draws against Paraguay and New Zealand in Group F and need a win over last-place Slovakia team to ensure they progress to the knockout stage.

Federal Reforms Minister Bossi reportedly said two to three Slovak players would surface in the Italian league next season, responding to a question about which team would win.

The Italian federation described Bossi’s remarks as “offensive.”