Vieri walks out on press

Italy striker Christian Vieri marched out of a news conference yesterday vowing not to speak to the Italian press again, as tension mounted in the Azzurri camp ahead of their decisive final match against Bulgaria.

At least two Italian newspapers reported yesterday that Vieri, criticised for his disappointing displays, had argued with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon after Friday's 1-1 draw with Sweden.

"This is the latest invention that you have invented," Vieri told reporters after a spokesman for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had scolded the press for the story. Buffon also denied there was any truth in the reports.

"This is the last day that I speak to you," said Vieri. "You can say what you want about me as a player but when you offend me a person, well... I am more of a man than all of you put together," added the Italy striker.

The Italian media have been very critical of coach Giovanni Trapattoni and some players in the wake of the draw with Sweden that leaves them needing to beat Bulgaria in their final match tomorrow to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

"You massacre us from morning to night," Vieri said.