He rebutted critics of this policy by saying "if they can die for Italy, they can play for Italy",, a reference to conscription.Guaita, Scopelli and Stagnaro tried to leave for France to avoid being called up for the Abyssinian campaign in 1936.
He rebutted critics of this policy by saying "if they can die for Italy, they can play for Italy",, a reference to conscription. Doubts about national loyalty resurfaced when De Maria returned to Argentina to complete his military service there, and more so when Guaita, Scopelli and Stagnaro tried to leave for France to avoid being called up for the Abyssinian campaign in 1936.