Bayern´s Toni hits back at Italian press

Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has slammed the press in his native Italy for consistently criticising him since he joined the German giants last year.

The 2006 World Cup winner claims he has been given a rough ride by the Italian media since Fiorentina sold him to Bayern for 11 million euros (15 million US dollars) in the summer of 2007.

Despite scoring 24 goals in 31 Bundesliga matches last season, Toni played poorly for Italy during last June's Euro 2008 tournament where the world champions were beaten by Spain in the semi-finals.

“If the Italian national team wins, Toni played badly. If Italy loses, it is Toni's fault,” the striker moaned to German agency SID after Italy's 2-0 win over Georgia in Udine, Italy, on Wednesday night in a World Cup qualifier.

“Italy were knocked out of the European Championship and Toni is responsible for it.

“Basically, I am fed up with it!”

The 31-year-old failed to score and was replaced after 71 minutes against Georgia as Daniele de Rossi scored either side of half-time.

“Since I moved to play abroad, I have been attacked again and again, I find it unfair,” added Toni.

“It is not easy to have the media and people against you.

“Against Georgia, I played the way coach Marcello Lippi wanted.

“I am happy with my performance.

“The truth is I would be treated better if I played for AC Milan or Juventus, I am convinced of that.”