Loss Difficult to Accept for Media and Fans

Meanwhile, Italian newspapers pounced on the opportunity to lament the loss, especially the way it happened.

In the Corriere dello Sport, it’s Sunday headline read: “What a robbery!”

The daily Il Giorno expressed what many Italians felt the outcome should have been: “Italy, Croatia: 3-2.”

In an opinion piece in the Milan daily Corriere della Sera, former World Cup star Paolo Rossi wondered how referees of World Cup caliber could call back two valid goals.

Some Italians even said soccer officials should protest the outcome to FIFA.

“Of course we should contest the refereeing, especially since Mexico’s win [2-1 over Ecuador]. They called back two valid goals. Not one, but two!” said Ettore Franchi, a restaurant worker in Rome.