Sacchi defends Camarda: ‘From Messi to Baggio, even the greatest’ miss penalties

Arrigo Sacchi refuses to blame 17-year-old striker Francesco Camarda for missing a penalty in Lecce’s 1-0 loss against Napoli: ‘ I’ve seen even the greatest make mistakes from the spot. From Pelé to Maradona, from Messi to Baggio.’

Former Italy coach Sacchi reassures Camarda after seeing the Milan loanee miss a penalty for Lecce in Tuesday’s home loss against Napoli.

The Partenopei snatched the three points thanks to a Zambo Anguissa goal, scored minutes after Camarda’s error from the spot.

“The image of Francesco Camarda, devastated on the bench, after missing the penalty kick and after Napoli took the lead through Anguissa, is proof that football is beauty and wonder, but also, as in this case, disappointment, tears, and pain,” Sacchi wrote in his latest Gazzetta dello Sport column.

“I always say that football is a reflection of life: everything happens on the pitch, and also the opposite. Missing a penalty can never be considered a fault.

“From the spot, I’ve seen even the greatest make mistakes. From Pelé to Maradona, from Messi to Baggio.

“So imagine if I’d be surprised that Camarda’s shot was saved and above all, imagine if I’d even dream of saying that Lecce’s defeat was his fault,” Sacchi continued.

“Camarda is a talented young player, someone who can bring plenty of joy to the fans, and I wouldn’t rule out that he could soon become a key player for the national team. Why should we throw him under the bus? Because of a missed penalty? Let’s not be ridiculous, please.”

Sacchi is surely familiar with Camarda’s pain.

“I lost a World Cup Final in 1994, on penalties against Brazil. I never thought of pointing the finger at those who missed,” wrote the ex-Italy and Milan coach.

“On the contrary, when I got back to the locker room, I gathered the team, the boys had tears in their eyes, and I told them that, to me, they were heroes, that they had given everything to reach a dream. It wasn’t just something to say in the moment. I truly meant it. I understand Camarda’s disappointment very well, but I want to tell him that he must not let it bring him down and, above all, he must listen to voices, comments, whispers or possible controversies.

“I sincerely hope no even even thinks of suggesting that Camarda should never take another penalty. That would truly be an unforgivable mistake. In a situation like this, I believe you should do exactly the opposite: at the next penalty, you hand the ball to Camarda and tell him, ‘Go on, don’t worry. And if you miss again, it’s okay.’”