Pirlo and Materazzi face backlash over Russia visit
European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno has criticized former Italy stars Andrea Pirlo and Marco Materazzi for their recent visit to Moscow.
The recent visit of former Italy national team stars Andrea Pirlo and Marco Materazzi to Russia has drawn sharp criticism in Italy. The former footballers attended a football match and participated in media events alongside local pro-Kremlin figures.
Pina Picierno, Vice President of the European Parliament, publicly addressed the trip, noting that it coincided with a day of massive missile and drone strikes against Ukraine.
There is one thing that does not need to be verified, because it has always been obvious. Money can buy many things; it can even, strangely enough, force a world champion to sign autographs on balls in Moscow at the very time when this criminal regime is indiscriminately killing civilians and threatening European countries. However, what money cannot buy is authority, position, and the ability to conduct oneself in the world with honor and dignity. It is a pity that Pirlo apparently did not understand this. Pina Picierno
Following the reports, social media users have begun calling for sanctions to be imposed on both Pirlo and Materazzi for their public engagement with the Russian regime.