Former Juventus” data-scaytid=”1″>Juventus President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli believes Italian football must focus on youth if it is to bridge the gap to other Leagues in Europe.
Former Juventus President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli believes Italian football must focus on youth if it is to bridge the gap to other Leagues in Europe.
The lawyer became Juventus President following the 2006 Calciopoli scandal before stepping down in 2009, and echoes current President Andrea Agnelli on the huge economic disparity between Serie A and other top European Leagues.
“The economic gap between us and the big European teams is huge,” the 69-year old has told Tuttomercatoweb.
“Even Juve, the best in Italy in financial terms have half the revenue of teams like Bayern [Munich] and Real Madrid.
“If there’s a shortage of money the teams do not improve. Good Italian players are migrating abroad for this reason.
“They are the best players, and the League suffers as a result.
“When I was involved in football I said we should focus on young people.
“We have to put our faith in youth systems and raise standards at home.
“I can’t fault Juventus for what they’re doing in Italy, but at international level they need to make some changes.”
The Bianconeri face a crucial Champions League tie with Olympiacos in Turin tonight, and the former President believes the Old Lady has what it takes to qualify.
“Juventus must seize this opportunity. I hope they win by two goals because that will be important for qualification.
“There’s every reason for them to do well, and the effect of being at home in the Juventus Stadium will give them that extra boost.
“On a technical level they definitely have the advantage, the important thing is to play with the right rhythm in the first half, as the Coach said in his Press conference.”