CHRISTIAN VIERI, the Italy striker, marched out of a news conference yesterday vowing not to speak to the Italian press again, as tension mounted for the Azzurri before their decisive match against Bulgaria. At least two Italian newspapers reported yesterday that Vieri, criticised for his disappointing displays, had argued with Gianluigi Buffon, the goalkeeper, after Friday’s 1-1 draw with Sweden.
“This is the latest invention that you have invented,” Vieri told reporters. “This is the last day that I speak to you. You can talk about football matters, I’ve never cared less about what you write anyway.
“You can say what you want about me as a player but when you offend me as a person, well . . . I am more of a man than all of you put together,” the Italy striker added.