Germany, Loew: "I am sorry for Italy. De Rossi is a great player"

"I have the greatest respect for the Azzurri." These are the words of German manager Joachim Loew. During his press conference, he commented on Italy's elimination and Daniele De Rossi: "I read that he refused to go on the field because a striker was needed: it is a symptom of greatness. I have the greatest respect for players like Buffon, Bonucci, De Rossi. They are men of great class. I am sad for Italy, as I would have preferred to have them in Russia with us. Regardless, Sweden didn't steal anything because they defended well. For Italy, this could be an opportunity for a fresh start."