[Jager]

Angry Toni turns on Cosmi Sunday 18 September, 2005

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Luca Toni and Serse Cosmi had a touchline row today and it continued through the Press with scathing comments from both men.

“Referees should study the way Toni plays and learn how to deal with his little tricks,” noted the Udinese boss after their 4-2 defeat away to Fiorentina. Cosmi was sent off for dissent after an incident that was sparked by an argument with Toni and the striker responded.


“I have a physical style of play that sometimes involves contact, but that’s a perfectly normal part of the game. I get fouled a lot and referees also give many free kicks against me. I don’t think it right that a Coach pays more attention to the work of the referee than he does his own team.”


It was a controversial encounter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, as Udinese saw a Vincenzo Iaquinta goal very harshly disallowed for a push on Dario Dainelli when the scoreline was still 2-1.


“I expect that Cosmi’s comments were only sparked by his tension at the outcome of the match, but I really don’t know what else could have prompted him to make those statements.”


Toni is the on form striker in Italy at the moment and also took the opportunity to turn on his former club Palermo.


“President Maurizio Zamparini said that I didn’t love the club, yet I only missed two or three games in two years because I was suspended and tried to play even when I wasn’t fully fit. I scored 50 goals in two seasons and took the side from Serie B to the UEFA Cup. I think I proved how much I cared about Palermo.”


Zamparini at first claimed that Toni was not for sale, then sanctioned the £7m move to Fiorentina only weeks later, stating that he had requested an unreasonable wage increase.


“I haven’t said anything since leaving, but it’s time I point out that some figures have been totally fabricated,” continued a furious Toni. “I never earned £2m per season at Palermo and I hope nobody else was taking that wage in my place. Zamparini doesn’t even know what’s happening at his own club, so he has no right to discuss how we work at Fiorentina. It’s a shame that people want to defend themselves from criticism about my sale by spreading lies.”

Seemed like a spirited affair, I'm sad I missed it. I hope I can download it.