Krong Angkor

Kuyt ´disappointed´ by Italy over Van Persie tackle

LONDON (AFP) - Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt said he was "disappointed" by the lack of respect Italy showed during last weekend's friendly which saw fellow Netherlands forward Robin van Persie sustain an injury.

The Arsenal striker was stretchered off the pitch after being tackled by Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini 14 minutes into Saturday's goalless draw in Pescara and could be out of action for up to six weeks.

Van Persie absolves Chiellini of blame but Kuyt said the challenge on the striker was symptomatic of Italy's over-physical approach to what was only a friendly international.

"I was very disappointed (by Italy)," Kuyt told Sky Sports.

"We played a friendly against a big country and if you see the way they kicked us it's very sad, very sad for the Dutch team and also very sad for Robin because he was in great form," the Liverpool forward added.

"I think it was a bad tackle. Sometimes you think about this when you play a friendly for your country there should be more respect for each other and hopefully it won't happen in the future."

Van Persie has scored eight goals this season.