Remo Freuler angered Italy fans with a statement at the press conference. The Bologna international later apologized on Instagram for his unintentional tip.
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- Remo Freuler speaks at the national team's press conference on Wednesday about their round of 16 opponents Italy and is asked what the Swiss have learned from the 3-0 defeat at the last European Championship.
- Freuler's answer turned some Italians' heads. His latest Instagram post is full of Italian hate comments.
- On Wednesday evening, Freuler clarified that his statement had been misinterpreted: "It was never my intention to provoke the Italians or make fun of them."
At the national team press conference on Wednesday, Remo Freuler was asked by an Italian journalist what the Swiss had learned from the 3-0 defeat against the Italians at the 2021 European Championship. The midfielder's answer: "I think we've already learned from it. We've played Italy twice since then (in the World Cup qualifiers), and we drew twice. And then we made it to the World Cup, they didn't."
The statement annoyed some Italians. They apparently see the words as a jab at the proud football nation. Freuler's latest Instagram post is full of hate comments. "Rat, never come back to Italy," writes one user. Another commented: "How many World Cup titles have you won? Rinse your mouth out."
Freuler clarifies: "That was not my intention"
The 32-year-old finally felt compelled to take a stand on his statement in his Instagram story: "I would like to clarify a misinterpreted and partially misrepresented statement of mine. (...) I want to emphasize that it was never my intention to provoke the Italian national team or to make fun of them."
He has great respect for what the Italians have achieved in the past and what they are currently achieving. "I love the country. For me, my wife and my whole family, Italy has become a second home," continued Freuler.
He had also said this at the press conference, but it had been less reported. Nevertheless, Freuler apologized for his words: "I am very sorry that my statement was taken by many as a provocation or mockery. I hope for a good game in Berlin!"
His wife Kristina also spoke out and commented on Instagram: "All these comments against my husband are simply ridiculous and primitive. It seems like everyone here with these comments never learned respect at home. Italy is our second home, we love the people, the country and life there. So don't be so disrespectful."
