Italian politician Umberto Bossi apologized Wednesday for his much-criticized remarks that Italy would ``buy'' a victory in a crucial World Cup group match against Slovakia.
The comments by Bossi, a Cabinet minister, had drawn a sharp rebuke from the national football federation and fellow politicians alike.
``I apologize to the national team,'' the Federal Reforms Minister told the ANSA news agency.
He said his comments were meant as a ``joke'' and that he hopes Italy wins the World Cup.
The defending champion Italians have had two draws against Paraguay and New Zealand in Group F and need a win over the last-place Slovakia team on Thursday to ensure they progress to the knockout stage.
Bossi had reportedly said that ``they (Italy) will buy it,'' responding to a question about which team would win. He said he expected two to three Slovak players to surface in the Italian league next season - apparently as compensation to the Slovak team.
The Italian football federation described Bossi's remarks as ``disconcerting and offensive.'' It said that Bossi, a maverick politician known for his anti-establishment rhetoric, had gone ``overboard.''
When asked about Bossi's comments by an Italian reporter at the pre-match news conference Wednesday, Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss wasn't amused.
``This question is not very intelligent. Maybe you should ask FIFA,'' Weiss said. ``But I see it as a small provocation or as a small joke.''
