Carlo Ancelotti has reflected on Serie A’s declining appeal and says tax breaks and squad limitations are not the answer.
The Real Madrid Coach sat down with La Repubblica for an extended interview released today and was asked about Antonio Conte’s recent outburst that Italy’s players and clubs lack the commitment and hunger to push through reform of the game and develop.
Carlo Ancelotti has reflected on Serie A’s declining appeal and says tax breaks and squad limitations are not the answer.
The Real Madrid Coach sat down with La Repubblica for an extended interview released today and was asked about Antonio Conte’s recent outburst that Italy’s players and clubs lack the commitment and hunger to push through reform of the game and develop.
“I’m afraid both could be true,” Ancelotti considered.
“Certainly the future is linked to the youngsters – Verratti, who has personality and the desire to make it, and then Darmian, De Sciglio, El Shaarawy, Insigne, Destro.
“At a technical level we are not that bad.
“How is Italian football seen from Madrid? It is worrying. All countries are making progress, but we are static. San Siro being empty is sad, interest is lost in calcio.
“The League has little charm, it does not attract the champions. The stadiums and infrastructure are the main problem.
“Ideas then? A great event can help. It happened for Germany at the 2006 World Cup, it will happen for France with the 2016 European Championships.
“But you need stadiums that are owned, such as Juve’s. I have looked at the phenomenon – Manchester United take €180m from their stadium, Milan €20m.
“But what about taxes? No. In Spain, the tax is at 50 per cent. Real, who will improve further the Bernabeu, continually invest in their own image.
“They have a museum of 3m visitors a year.”
Ancelotti was asked about a 25-man squad limitation being introduced into Serie A.
“The squad at Real Madrid is 22. Rather, in Italy it is hard to launch the youngsters because they lack a second team.
“Last year I found myself with five guys who were ready, including four Spanish, thanks to our Castilla side playing in the Segunda – Morata, Jese, Carvajal, Nacho and Casemiro.”