Italy Might Clean Up in the World Cup

Mike Penner’s crass characterization of Italian soccer as dirty [“Mexico Defeats Little Italy,” May 20] is insulting to soccer fans everywhere.

Italy’s Seria A is a world-class league, considered by many tops in the world. Italy is among the favorites to win the World Cup again, which would be its fourth world championship.

The World Cup warmup Mexico played with AC Milan was with a “C” Milan team not only without many of its starters (who were training with their national teams for the World Cup), but with a handful of “guest” players--guaranteeing a lack of cohesion on the field and resulting in chaotic play. Penner’s crude bias aside, when Mexico and Italy meet in the World Cup on June 13 we can expect to see a hard-fought but clean and fair game.

Edward Placidi

Valley Glen

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I’d like to thank The Times for giving the World Cup at least some coverage. Mike Penner is really coming along with his knowledge of “the beautiful game,” and The Times should be commended for dedicating two reporters full-time to the event. As a warning: Please no stupid, jingoistic articles from T.J. Simers.

Ted Mendez

Newport Beach