Hellas Verona’s sporting director, Sean Sogliano, voiced his dissatisfaction with the demeanor of Juventus’ players and staff during a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Stadium. He commented, ‘If I were to express my true thoughts, I would likely have to resign from my position.’
Despite already being relegated to Serie B, Verona managed to secure a 1-1 draw in Turin against Juventus on Sunday. The Gialloblu even took an early lead in the first half, but Dusan Vlahovic equalized after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
Sogliano, who was observing the match from the sidelines alongside Verona’s reserves and staff, was dismissed in the final minute for protesting a free-kick awarded to Juventus. He admitted to being unhappy with the attitude displayed by the Bianconeri’s players and staff.
‘I was sent off today too because I witnessed things that I do not approve of,’ Sogliano told Sky Sport, as reported by FcInter1908. ‘We’re discussing a matter of culture and our absence from the World Cup. The situation here is always the same. Even against a team already relegated, I overheard comments I would prefer not to repeat, because if I were to say what I truly think, I would probably be forced out of my profession.’
‘A strong team that complains about the referee when, in just a minute, the fans would have been scoring for them,’ Sogliano added.
‘Verona demonstrated pride and earned a point. And if someone is sent off for losing their temper over certain matters, film both benches; then we would have something substantial to discuss beyond VAR. I’m saying this as someone who has already been relegated, so in reality, no one is paying much attention. I’m heading home with my players and the club because we are individuals with pride.’
This draw places Juventus in fourth position, four points ahead of Roma, who still have a game in hand against Fiorentina on Monday.