Italian football ‘at a standstill’, Juventus coach laments

TURIN — Juventus coach Antonio Conte’s criticism of Italian football following his side’s Champions League exit was greeted with head-shaking by the listening journalists, raising doubts as to whether his harsh words would be heeded.

Juventus have dominated Italian football in the past 18 months, yet they were outclassed by Bayern Munich in their quarterfinal, where a 4-0 aggregate defeat prompted some soul-searching from Conte in the post-match news conference.

“I can’t see an Italian team winning the Champions League in the coming years,” he said, warning that Italian clubs could no longer match the financial power of Real Madrid, Barcelona, the two Manchester clubs (United and City), Paris St Germain and Bayern.

“It makes me laugh when I hear that with just two or three new signings we can win the Champions League.

“Italian football has come to a standstill and that should be a concern for everyone.

“When was the last time an Italian team reached the semifinals?” he said.

“I think everyone has to pull together to try and change things in Italian football. When I say everyone, I mean the clubs, the supporters, the media and all the institutions.”

Conte’s words came against the backdrop of a typically untidy week in Serie A, which sometimes bears more resemblance to a chaotic South American domestic league than the highly professional organisation of the Bundesliga.

Inter Milan have spent most of this week moaning about referees and an alleged conspiracy theory against them after a 4-3 home defeat by Atalanta on Sunday virtually ended their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Monday night’s derby between Roma and Lazio was marred by clashes in the streets before the game and, despite the passion involved in the match, there were swathes of empty seats in the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio have twice been fined by Uefa for racist behaviour by their fans and played yesterday’s game against Fenerbahce behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, Cagliari will play Sunday’s Serie A match at home to Inter in Trieste, nearly 1,000km from their Sardinian base, after giving up on the Is Arenas stadium where they moved this season. Reuters