Candidate for FIGC President Demetrio Albertini has run through his plans to change the face of Italian football and Serie A.
The former defensive midfielder recently confirmed his intention to stand against President of the National Amateur League Carlo Tavecchio in the ballot to replace Giancarlo Abete as head of the Italian Football Federation.
Candidate for FIGC President Demetrio Albertini has run through his plans to change the face of Italian football and Serie A.
The former defensive midfielder recently confirmed his intention to stand against President of the National Amateur League Carlo Tavecchio in the ballot to replace Giancarlo Abete as head of the Italian Football Federation.
“There is no doubt that the realms of the Federation are ungovernable,” Albertini has explained today in the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I think we must overcome the current management structure of the FIGC. I imagine the creation of two boards in the Federal Council, specific to the professional and amateur areas, each with their own skills.
“Tasks? First, the reform of the Leagues, but so that it is organic and harmonised. Only then will we return to being the top division with the right credentials in Europe.
“Specifically? A Serie A with 18 teams, a Serie B with 20 teams and a Lega Pro that has just been reduced to 60, after many years, must reduce further.
“What interests me is the financial sustainability – in recent times we have lost too many clubs, the latest being Padova and Siena.
“But the reduction of clubs is only the first step. In each club we will have squads with a maximum of 25 players and a minimum of 10 homegrown, developed in the academies, regardless of nationality, because the European Union does not allow for that.
“How do we enhance the heritage of our players? Of course we do not need to lock out foreigners.
“We need to focus on quality. On the one hand, there is the obligation to use those formed in Italian schools, on the other hand there is the opening of the borders with a flow determined by the government, so as to be more competitive on a global market.”
The 42-year-old was asked about current efforts to develop youth in Italy.
“I do not recognise it in this football, something must be done. Everyone must take their responsibility and give up something, otherwise it is a closed shop.
“The current system of evaluating young players does not work. Serie A has to look at work in the lower categories and reward them with valid prospects of making the leap up to play. The second teams are the right solution for me. I am also convinced by the example of technical cooperation between Inter and Prato.”
Albertini also believes attention must be increased on training Coaches.
“Including specific Coaches for young players, along a path of development ad hoc. From our experience the youth fields are seen only as a springboard to potentially get into Serie a.
“Coverciano must be restored to its former glory, as a sign of modernity. The Federation must consist of young people, trained by Coaches that teach football.”
The issue of restructuring Italian football has been prompted once more by the national team’s failure at a World Cup.
“Today was is missing is the ability to choose. The national team goes hand in hand with the results of the clubs – just think about Spain and Germany. If you produce quality, what will follow is quality players for the national team.
“The World Cup? It is not true that there has been a divide between the young and old players. Having experienced it closer, I noticed that what was missing was those in mid-range between those who had extensive international experience and those who were with the national team for what looked like the first time.”
Opponent Tavecchio is seen as ahead of Albertini in the polls.
“I’ve never looked at the numbers, but on ideas and desire to change. I and Tavecchio are two people with completely different paths and different types of representation. I can be an opportunity, for those who want to change gear.”