Dimarco: I ‘respect’ Bosnia, but ‘disrespectful’ to show Italy celebration on TV

Italy defender Federico Dimarco insists he respects Bosnia and Herzegovina and confirms he texted Edin Dzeko, but believes it was ‘disrespectful’ to show his celebration on TV.

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Dimarco made headlines following Italy’s win over Northern Ireland on Thursday as he and other Italy players were caught on camera while celebrating Bosnia and Herzegovina’s win on penalties against Wales.

The Azzurri had just beaten Northern Ireland 2-0 and were following the outcome of the penalty shootout in the other World Cup play-off semifinal on their phones.

Dimarco spoke for the first time about the incident during a press conference in Coveciano on Saturday: “I’m here, given that after the game against Northern Ireland, I was the protagonist of an incident. I respect every club and every country; it was an instinctive reaction,” the Inter star explained via TMW.

“I was simply watching the penalty shootout with my teammates. Dzeko also plays for Bosnia. I played with him for two years, and I texted him. He replied to me, and I’m happy to see him in the final.”

Dzeko is the Bosnia and Herzegovina captain, and his late goal against Wales on Thursday night forced the game to extra time and then penalties.

Two other Serie A players, Tarik Muharemovic of Sassuolo and Sead Kolasinac of Atalanta, are part of the Bosnia squad and are expected to start against Italy next Tuesday.

“I didn’t lack respect for Bosnia or the Bosnian people,” concluded Dimarco.

“It was said I was arrogant; with what right, since we haven’t been at the World Cup since 2014? How could I be arrogant? That said, I believe it was disrespectful to be filmed in a context where there were also friends, family, and children present.”