Mihajlovic plays down Totti incident: I’ve seen worse

(GSM) – Catania boss Sinisa Mihajlovic has given his verdict on Francesco Totti’s foul on Internazionale striker Mario Balotelli. “I don’t like him, but I’ve seen worse.”

Mihajlovic played against Totti repeatedly in the Rome derby in his Lazio period, so was asked for his opinion on this week’s Coppa Italia lunge on Mario Balotelli.

“I don’t like Totti, but I’ve seen worse than the kick he gave to Balotelli,” said Mihajlovic.

“It’s not nice for a champion to do such things, but I will justify him. These things happen.”

The former defender also commented on Lazio fans cheering on Inter at the Olimpico as a way of losing rivals Roma the Scudetto.

“In Rome the rivalry has always been like this and it’s certainly not the first time Lazio fans have cheered because their result makes life difficult for Roma.

“Those who go to the stadium have the right to cheer for whoever they like. In any case, I think Inter would’ve won anyway, as Lazio were hardly playing against a pub team.”

Mihajlovic has also played for Inter and was their assistant manager under Roberto Mancini, fuelling reports of a reunion.

“Sooner or later, I will be the coach of Inter. I don’t know when, but I’ll do it,” he smiled.

“Obviously the thought makes me happy, but it ends there, as I have another year on my contract and pending surprises I will stay at Catania next season.”

Although not yet mathematically safe, Catania can set a new club record, surpassing the current best of 43.

“I think we will be able to beat the record and in fact we’ll try to go further by winning both games to reach 47 points,” Mihajlovic concluded.