Riccardo Montolivo has claimed that the current economic downturn that has hit Italian football will benefit young players on the peninsula.
Riccardo Montolivo has claimed that the current economic downturn that has hit Italian football will benefit young players on the peninsula.
The Milan playmaker believes that although the lack of money in Serie A means big players will inevitably look to play their football elsewhere, the young generation of Azzurri nationals can only benefit from more playing time.
“I believe that in a time of economic difficulty, it is right to focus on young Italians, and make room for them in our squads,” he told UEFA's official magazine. “It takes time to find the balance, but I am convinced here in Milan we have some great quality.”
The former Fiorentina midfielder also spoke about the pressures of playing in European competitions and representing the Rossoneri.
“Playing in a great team means there are pressures. When you play in Europe, you are representing your country, so there are pressures there as well. But you have to turn that into motivation to do well.”