Criscito protests his innocence World Soccer Shop

Domenico Criscito says he has done nothing wrong after being dropped by Italy as a result of the latest match-fixing scandal to hit the nation.

Criscito: Dropped from Italy squad

On Monday, police questioned the Zenit St Petersburg defender at the Azzurri's training headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, after Criscito's name surfaced in an investigation carried out by prosecutors in Cremona.

Italy then dropped Criscito, who was a certainty for the Euro 2012 squad, from the team.

"To do these (match-fixing) things, it is not something I would do," Criscito told RTL radio station. "Fortunately, I don't need money, 20, 30 or 40,000 euros, whatever it was, but I don't need money.

"I do a job that I've always dreamed of doing since I was young and I would not

mess it up for stupid acts.

"It hurts that this has happened before the (Euro 2012) list, but I'm sure that I will come out stronger."

Prosecutors have alleged the 25-year-old Criscito acted unlawfully while he was a Genoa player.

He was on the books of the Genoa outfit from 2008 until 2011 before moving to Zenit.

"Criscito is ready to explain anything that may have caused him to be under the spotlight," Criscito's agent Andrea D'Amico said today.

"Our legal team is working in order for the magistrates to listen to him as soon as possible.

"Our only wish is for everything to be cleared as soon as possible."

Earlier on Monday, Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and former Genoa midfielder Omar Milanetto were arrested in the probe over allegations of "criminal association and sporting fraud".

Officers also searched more than 31 homes in Italy and abroad, including those of coaches and players of clubs in Serie A, Serie B and lower divisions.

Monday's operation is part of an investigation called "Last Bet" carried out by prosecutors in Cremona which focuses on 33 games over the past two seasons, the majority of which were in Serie B.

Italy football federation president Giancarlo Abete is disappointed with the latest events.

The country was already rocked by a match-fixing scandal in 2006, the year they won the World Cup.

"It is a bitter day," Abete said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "In these conditions, it is better for Criscito to defend himself.

"This episode brings further sadness but Italy is focusing on the European championship."

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has not spoken on Monday.

He will announce his final squad for the European Championships on Tuesday ahead of the Azzurri's friendly against Luxembourg in Parma.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17323/criscito_protests_his_innocence

´Innocent´ Criscito hits back

Italy’s Domenico Criscito has vowed to clear his name after being implicated in the ‘Scommessopoli’ match-fixing scandal.

Police issued the defender with a warrant from the public prosecutor of Cremona to search his room at the Azzurri’s training base at Coverciano on Monday and he was subsequently withdrawn from Cesare Prandelli’s provisional squad for Euro 2012.

There is reportedly some suspicion surrounding the outcome of a game involving Criscito’s former club Genoa and Lazio, and photographs have emerged of the left-back meeting fans with fellow defender Giuseppe Sculli, who has also been implicated in the affair.

However, Criscito insists that there was nothing untoward about the gathering and has promised to prove his innocence at the earliest opportunity.

“I want to be heard in Cremona as soon as possible in order to clarify everything,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“I have not got anything to do with this story. I was only speaking with Genoa supporters.”

Meanwhile, the player’s representative, Andrea D’Amico, is adamant that his client is not guilty of any wrongdoing.

“They (Sculli and Criscito) just went to a meeting with the fans after a derby loss,” the agent told Sky Sport Italia.

“He’s calm, even if surprised by all of this. But he’s an honest guy and a warrant is a tool for the protection of suspects, not a judgment of conviction. Too often this is forgotten in Italy.”

Meanwhile, Italian football federation (FIGC) vice-president Demetrio Albertini has given his backing to the Zenit defender.

“He was sorry for the repercussions on the national team and on the dressing room,” the former Italy midfielder told reporters after announcing that Criscito would not be travelling to Euro 2012.

“He explained some things to me, and I believe his version and in his innocence.”

Criscito, who has been capped 19 times by his country, joined Zenit from Genoa in 2011.geona

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/%c2%b4innocent%c2%b4-criscito-hits-back/95408/

No Euro 2012 for Criscito World Soccer Shop

Italy defender Domenico Criscito will not play at Euro 2012 as he is under investigation in the country's latest match-fixing scandal.

Criscito: Won't be considered by Azzurri

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) vice-president Demetrio Albertini announced this afternoon that the Zenit St Petersburg player will not be included in the travelling party for Euro 2012.

Criscito was questioned by police this morning at Italy's training headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, as part of an investigation carried out by Cremona prosecutors regarding a match-fixing probe.

"Criscito will not be with us at the European Championship," Albertini said in a press conference.

"He is in a hurry to end this current situation and that is his aim.

"He is disappointed to have caused this situation although he reiterates he has nothing to do with it."

Criscito, a former Genoa player, had been expected to be in Cesare Prandelli's 23-man roster for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

"We are disappointed but we have to remain close to the player," Albertini said. "The decision not to include Criscito is a collective decision.

"The Federation has given Prandelli its support over this decision.

"Arrests have been made today but until proven otherwise, we are talking about innocent people even though they are considered suspects.

"I know Domenico and he is incredulous.

"He is an extraordinary guy and he has already seen his lawyers this morning.

"It is a strange day for us.

"These are things that we would not like to have had to go through."

Albertini believes the latest scandal, which has seen former Italy international and current Lazio captain Stefano Mauri as well as former Genoa player Omar Milanetto arrested on Monday as part of the investigation, will not hinder the Azzurri.

Italy won the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite having the cloud of a match-fixing scandal above the game at the time.

"I am not worried about the European Championship," he said. "I wasn't before and I am not now.

"I already went through the one of 2006.

"I only hope that it brings good luck just as it did back then.

"We have a solid squad made of genuine people."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17304/no_euro_2012_for_criscito