IT’S JUST HIS OPINION, ITALY

Here is a quote certain to make the Italian team bulletin board as it prepares for its quarterfinal match against France:

“I don’t like Italian football that much,” French midfielder Emmanuel Petit said. “I have a lot of respect for the efficiency of their defense and their organization in general, but they think the result is all that matters and I don’t agree. I prefer spectacular, fluent football.”

Petit, who plays professionally for English Premier League champion Arsenal, said he has rejected offers from top Italian teams for that very reason.

“I could have joined [French teammate] Youri [Djorkaeff] at Inter Milan,” Petit said. “I have also been approached by Fiorentina, and other Italian clubs would still like to have me. But I like Arsenal and I love London.”