Italy’s Mandate on Abstinence Shocks Brazil’s Soccer Players

Soccer players from Brazil’s national team reacted with horror upon hearing that Italy Coach Azeglio Vicini will bar his players from sexual activity during the World Cup.

Renato, a reserve striker with one name and a bent for amateur psychology, predicted if Italian players were forced to abstain from sex, training-camp workouts could be plagued by tension and even fights. “The blood rises . . . “ he said at the team’s training camp in Teresopolis, Brazil.

“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” midfielder Silas said of the ban. Silas, known for his religious convictions, is one of the more conservative members of the Brazilian squad.

Midfielder Mauro Galvao said a healthy sex life was important, and would not harm a player’s performance during Cup play.

“What hurts is if you go out and get drunk,” he said.

Brazilian players are allowed to take their wives to the tournament, which begins June 8 in Italy, but are required to pay for their expenses.

Star striker Bebeto said his spouse would certainly accompany him to Italy. “I don’t think it would be unusual to have (sexual) relations during the tournament,” he said.

Coach Sebastiao Lazaron said the players had nothing to fear. “Would I make a similar recommendation? Sincerely, no,” he said.

Team doctor Lidio Toledo said it was unnecessary: “The coach is old-fashioned. Sex should treated routinely.”