Mancini: ‘How to improve Serie A’

Roberto Mancini understands Antonio Conte’s frustration as Italy Coach and suggested ways of improving Serie A.

The Inter boss returned to Italy after a title-winning spell at Manchester City, so was asked how he would change calcio.

Conte is reportedly furious after clubs agreed to a three-day get-together from February 9 to 11, but sides involved in European competition can opt out of releasing their players.

Roberto Mancini understands Antonio Conte’s frustration as Italy Coach and suggested ways of improving Serie A.

The Inter boss returned to Italy after a title-winning spell at Manchester City, so was asked how he would change calcio.

Conte is reportedly furious after clubs agreed to a three-day get-together from February 9 to 11, but sides involved in European competition can opt out of releasing their players.

“There are some things I agree with and I realise as Italy Coach Conte needs time with the players, but there are other issues where the clubs have difficulty on a purely organisational level. When it comes to starting the season earlier, I absolutely agree,” said Mancio in a Press conference.

“I think starting the season earlier is important, as many of our teams struggle in preliminary rounds for European competitions, as the other clubs start two or three weeks earlier. It would also allow us a few midweek rounds to give the Nazionale some more time to work. It could also help to reduce Serie A to 18 teams, but not everyone will agree on that.

“I experienced the years of Arrigo Sacchi when players had to go on international get-togethers, but back then clubs didn’t play as many fixtures as they do now.”