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Pelle excluded from Italy squad after snubbing Ventura

Italy went on to rescue a point thanks to Daniele De Rossi's late penalty to give the team momentum ahead of its trip to Macedonia on Sunday, but Pelle will not be involved after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced his punishment for snubbing Ventura.

Published : Oct 08, 2016 01:01 IST

Italy striker Graziano Pelle in action against Spain.
Italy striker Graziano Pelle in action against Spain.
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Italy striker Graziano Pelle in action against Spain.

Graziano Pelle has been excluded from Italy's squad for its match against Macedonia after refusing to shake hands with head coach Giampiero Ventura following his substitution against Spain.

The Shandong Luneng striker, 31, started Thursday's 1-1 draw with Spain in Turin, but was replaced by Ciro Immobile after an hour with the host trailing after Vitolo's goal.

Italy went on to rescue a point thanks to Daniele De Rossi's late penalty to give the team momentum ahead of its trip to Macedonia on Sunday, but Pelle will not be involved after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced his punishment for snubbing Ventura.

"Giampiero Ventura, in agreement with the FIGC, has decided to exclude Graziano Pelle from the squad for the match against FYR Macedonia on Sunday, October 9 in Skopje for disrespectful behaviour at the time of his substitution during yesterday's match with Spain," read the statement.

"Being part of the national team entails the sharing of values and attitudes befitting the national team, starting with respect towards the staff, team-mates and fans. The player will return today to his parent club."

Pelle has won 20 Italy caps since making his debut against Malta in October 2014 and scored nine goals, including three at Euro 2016.

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