Do you think Serie A will ever be the strongest again? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Marc
- Start date
Sure, but it will take at least 4-5 years IMO. Italian F.A. winning that Euro bid is crucial. One of the reason why fans are not turning is (1) hard-core ultra violence and (2) those Italian staidum are on verge of falling down. I mean some times arent even all-seaters for God's sake! We are in the era of 21st Century!
If the big goes through (1) fans will probably be better behaving to give better image of their country, or if you are cynic there will be more police to patrol around, and (2) teams werent be burdend with money to renovate the pitch.
Having said that, Italian F.A. are in most need of reform themselves. They have got to stop deciding final position through courts (which they have done every single year for nearly 5 years), and spend some money to present their league just like Sky is doing it for EPL. And the regulation regarding foreign non-EU transfer has to be laxed because (1) it doesnt directly solve problem regarding lack of domestic players when Inter play just about one or two Italians anyway and (2) most South American players seem to have Italian or Spanish, or French passport anywhere. Of course, I have suspicion that those South American players are preferring Spain not so much due to the style of league (those it probably do weigh in their consideration) but high tax burden in Italia more so than Spain. Italians just simply can't outbid their opponents like they used to in the mid 90s so tax is increasingly matter of big concern for players.
Overall though, with an appropriate system in place, I think Serie A is a league with most potential. As an investor, personally, this is a league to invest not EPL. EPL is over-valued in the sense that you are paying for legal structures that are not going to be improved vastly in near future. Just not so much innovation gain from takeover. On the other hand, Serie A teams have so much to gain from better management. Teams like Torino, Napoli, Lazio, Roma are one rich Russian away from being an European Giant IMO.
If the big goes through (1) fans will probably be better behaving to give better image of their country, or if you are cynic there will be more police to patrol around, and (2) teams werent be burdend with money to renovate the pitch.
Having said that, Italian F.A. are in most need of reform themselves. They have got to stop deciding final position through courts (which they have done every single year for nearly 5 years), and spend some money to present their league just like Sky is doing it for EPL. And the regulation regarding foreign non-EU transfer has to be laxed because (1) it doesnt directly solve problem regarding lack of domestic players when Inter play just about one or two Italians anyway and (2) most South American players seem to have Italian or Spanish, or French passport anywhere. Of course, I have suspicion that those South American players are preferring Spain not so much due to the style of league (those it probably do weigh in their consideration) but high tax burden in Italia more so than Spain. Italians just simply can't outbid their opponents like they used to in the mid 90s so tax is increasingly matter of big concern for players.
Overall though, with an appropriate system in place, I think Serie A is a league with most potential. As an investor, personally, this is a league to invest not EPL. EPL is over-valued in the sense that you are paying for legal structures that are not going to be improved vastly in near future. Just not so much innovation gain from takeover. On the other hand, Serie A teams have so much to gain from better management. Teams like Torino, Napoli, Lazio, Roma are one rich Russian away from being an European Giant IMO.
The aftermath of Calciopoli is definitely a record low in Italian football. Three teams have made it to the second round in the CL but how many will proceed is beyond me.
Let us take a look at the league. Juventus are absent. Inter acquired players like they usually do but they are leading with a margin that is yet to increase. Milan sold their best player and bought below par players and are enjoying a horrible form. Roma are playing good football but they are inconsistant and they simply crack under pressure. Lazio are an average team that show some good football only sometimes. Fiorentina suffered a harsh penalty and it is taking them time to get back on their feet.
Then you have new teams on the spotlight like Palermo and Livorno. All those teams compared to Inter are very weak and they will not do anything about it. Inter will win the league and Coppa Italia (surprise surprise
) easily simply because all other teams will give up on the competitions this season.
IMO all teams will save their money for next season when Juventus, Napoli and Genoa come back. With three previous scudetto winners back it will make it attractive for the other teams to invest. I see major transfer campaigns happening in the summer in the peninsula, I see big names arriving an probably big names returning. Juve's faith in its youngsters will also attract the other teams to invest in youngster. I say it is a matter of two or three seasons and Italy will be back having the best league among the others.
Let us take a look at the league. Juventus are absent. Inter acquired players like they usually do but they are leading with a margin that is yet to increase. Milan sold their best player and bought below par players and are enjoying a horrible form. Roma are playing good football but they are inconsistant and they simply crack under pressure. Lazio are an average team that show some good football only sometimes. Fiorentina suffered a harsh penalty and it is taking them time to get back on their feet.
Then you have new teams on the spotlight like Palermo and Livorno. All those teams compared to Inter are very weak and they will not do anything about it. Inter will win the league and Coppa Italia (surprise surprise
) easily simply because all other teams will give up on the competitions this season.IMO all teams will save their money for next season when Juventus, Napoli and Genoa come back. With three previous scudetto winners back it will make it attractive for the other teams to invest. I see major transfer campaigns happening in the summer in the peninsula, I see big names arriving an probably big names returning. Juve's faith in its youngsters will also attract the other teams to invest in youngster. I say it is a matter of two or three seasons and Italy will be back having the best league among the others.
Thats a great post Jacques! 
Your opinion of the contenders in Serie A this season is spot on. Inter (sadly!
) probably will win scudetto & coppa, not due to their own strength, more the weakness - & harsh penalties! - of the other strong teams. In Europe, they will suffer due to the lack of domestic competition.
I also agree that in 2/3 years time, calcio Italia will be back to its best. A top division containing us, Toro, Napoli, Genoa, Milan, Inter, Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina & Palermo can only flourish. Hopefully our investment in young, Italian talent, & the exciting brand of football DD has us playing will also bring us to the forefront of European football. If we could dominate in Europe the way we should have done for the past decade, then Italian football will be viewed as the worlds best. To be honest there is only Barca to contend with. Bayern dominate in Germany, making their league quite dull, Real Madrid are still chasing Barca, let alone Europe, & Chelsea's domestic dominance is dull beyond belief, they play as if coached by Crapello himself!
A dominant, vibrant, young, enthusiastic, exciting, Italian Juve, with an encouraging coach like DD can only succeed in returning calcio Italy to the top of Europes table for years. The sky truely is the limit, and the story starts now, in B, with us true tifosi at the heart of it.
Your opinion of the contenders in Serie A this season is spot on. Inter (sadly!
) probably will win scudetto & coppa, not due to their own strength, more the weakness - & harsh penalties! - of the other strong teams. In Europe, they will suffer due to the lack of domestic competition. I also agree that in 2/3 years time, calcio Italia will be back to its best. A top division containing us, Toro, Napoli, Genoa, Milan, Inter, Roma, Lazio, Fiorentina & Palermo can only flourish. Hopefully our investment in young, Italian talent, & the exciting brand of football DD has us playing will also bring us to the forefront of European football. If we could dominate in Europe the way we should have done for the past decade, then Italian football will be viewed as the worlds best. To be honest there is only Barca to contend with. Bayern dominate in Germany, making their league quite dull, Real Madrid are still chasing Barca, let alone Europe, & Chelsea's domestic dominance is dull beyond belief, they play as if coached by Crapello himself!
A dominant, vibrant, young, enthusiastic, exciting, Italian Juve, with an encouraging coach like DD can only succeed in returning calcio Italy to the top of Europes table for years. The sky truely is the limit, and the story starts now, in B, with us true tifosi at the heart of it.
Jacques said:
The aftermath of Calciopoli is definitely a record low in Italian football. Three teams have made it to the second round in the CL but how many will proceed is beyond me.
Let us take a look at the league. Juventus are absent. Inter acquired players like they usually do but they are leading with a margin that is yet to increase. Milan sold their best player and bought below par players and are enjoying a horrible form. Roma are playing good football but they are inconsistant and they simply crack under pressure. Lazio are an average team that show some good football only sometimes. Fiorentina suffered a harsh penalty and it is taking them time to get back on their feet.
Then you have new teams on the spotlight like Palermo and Livorno. All those teams compared to Inter are very weak and they will not do anything about it. Inter will win the league and Coppa Italia (surprise surprise ) easily simply because all other teams will give up on the competitions this season.
IMO all teams will save their money for next season when Juventus, Napoli and Genoa come back. With three previous scudetto winners back it will make it attractive for the other teams to invest. I see major transfer campaigns happening in the summer in the peninsula, I see big names arriving an probably big names returning. Juve's faith in its youngsters will also attract the other teams to invest in youngster. I say it is a matter of two or three seasons and Italy will be back having the best league among the others.
Let us take a look at the league. Juventus are absent. Inter acquired players like they usually do but they are leading with a margin that is yet to increase. Milan sold their best player and bought below par players and are enjoying a horrible form. Roma are playing good football but they are inconsistant and they simply crack under pressure. Lazio are an average team that show some good football only sometimes. Fiorentina suffered a harsh penalty and it is taking them time to get back on their feet.
Then you have new teams on the spotlight like Palermo and Livorno. All those teams compared to Inter are very weak and they will not do anything about it. Inter will win the league and Coppa Italia (surprise surprise
) easily simply because all other teams will give up on the competitions this season.IMO all teams will save their money for next season when Juventus, Napoli and Genoa come back. With three previous scudetto winners back it will make it attractive for the other teams to invest. I see major transfer campaigns happening in the summer in the peninsula, I see big names arriving an probably big names returning. Juve's faith in its youngsters will also attract the other teams to invest in youngster. I say it is a matter of two or three seasons and Italy will be back having the best league among the others.
int: 
mark83 said:
Serie A needs these teams back: Napoli, Genoa, Juventus, Bologna
Serie A needs these teams out: Ascoli, Reggina, Livorno, Empoli, Catania, Inter
Serie A needs these teams out: Ascoli, Reggina, Livorno, Empoli, Catania, Inter
). They have a passionate fans and they are a few teams that represent southern part of Italia. Livorno and Empoli have generally been well run in last couple of years, I say they make up for a good fodder.But Chievo, Ascoli, Siena, out of there ASAP. Also it would be good Serie A could be contracted to 18 leaving out one of teams like Catania or Messina (But I doubt it since TV revenue talks on these matters).
I also feel Bari and Verona should be in Serie A not B. And Samp, Torino need to invest more in players.
I think that there are three problems, I'll try to give parts of solutions.
1- Big clubs missing from Serie A or not competing
We must have Juve, Napoli, Genoa back in A, and Fiorentia, Milan and, to a lesser extent, Parma staying in A. Having the best clubs in the first division is just instrumental for the credibilty of the competition. If a top team demotes every once in a while because of financial problems or corruption scandals, you can't expect TV channels, investors, players and foreign fans to show real interest in Serie A, can you?
2- Security and comfort in the stadiums
Our own Delle Alpi is a mess. I've been there and enjoyed it, but you can't compare it with the German, Spanish, English or even Dutch stadiums. Seriously. If Serie A is totally behind the rest of Europe on one matter, it's definitely the stadiums.
Fan violence is a big issue too. Clubs are very scared of their own Ultras and often prefer not to act against them. A specialised police system is needed. And racism and fascism must be banned asap from every Italian stadium. Di Canio's salutes were more broadcasted on foreign TV's than Sheva's goals I'm afraid.
3- The development of Italian youth
Italy might be World Champion, but didn't it strike you that the youth doesn't seem to follow. I mean, we've been looking for a young Italian DC for ages, and the only good one seems to be Barzagli. Nowadays, some tip Criscito, but none of them are world class for the moment I fear. And apart of them, who can find good young Italian DC's? It's not only about DC's. I went through the Azzurini list, and apart from Andreolli, none of them is playing at a high level yet. Young players shouldn't be rushed, but you could expect at least 4-5 players in that list to play regularly in a good club in the top league. I mean, have a look:
Goalkeepers: Gianluca Curci (AS Roma), Daniele Padelli (FC Crotone).
Defenders: Marco Andreolli (FC Internazionale Milano), Michele Canini (Cagliari Calcio), Domenico Criscito (Genoa 1893), Lino Marzoratti (Empoli FC), Marco Motta (Udinese Calcio), Francesco Pisano (Cagliari Calcio).
Midfielders: Ignazio Abate (Modena FC), Simone Bentivoglio (Modena FC), Paolo De Ceglie (Juventus), Raffaele De Martino (Udinese Calcio), Marino Defendi (Atalanta BC), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Valerio Virga (AS Roma).
Forwards: Arturo Lupoli (Derby County FC), Michele Paolucci (Ascoli Calcio 1898), Gabriele Paonessa (Vicenza Calcio), Nicola Pozzi (Empoli FC), Andrea Russotto (Treviso FC).
Deschamps and Blanc said we would go for youth, but I fear we'll have to invest in foreign youth, and might look like Arsenal in 3 years...
______________________________
Solutions?
1- Big clubs missing from Serie A or not competing
I'd see two complementary solutions:
a) Reform the FIGC, as today it's clearly too dependent of some clubs who'll just fool around when they want it. Not only the members have to be nominated more objectively, but the whole system (including the FIGC tribunals) has to be changed and be more transparent. Did someone seriously understand something in this summer's procedures? I know I didn't, and I'm a Law student...
But, Carlo already said that in La Meglio Gioventu. He dreams of moving to scandinavia because there, states are like glasshouses, everyone can see what's inside,... unlike in Italy.
So I have to admit I don't have big hopes on this one.
b) A yearly financial control on clubs. In Belgium, clubs have to get a yearly licence to play in professional football (First two leagues). This happens with a strict control of the clubs finances and situation. It's not a problem for big clubs, but small clubs have been relegated to 3rd division.
It has some advantages: 1. A year-to-year sight of the clubs' situations. 2. Clubs won't go bankrupt in the middle of the season. 3. The players will be paid on time, the most simple remedy against player bribing.
2- Security and comfort in the stadiums
a) English fans might be known as having the most violent, stupid, drunk hooligans, you have to agree that in 10 years the violence inside the stadiums has drastically decreased. Stadium banning, more police control, clubs controlling their own fans,... lead to this situation. The Italians might learn some lessons there.
I really like the traditional Italian system of Ultras, it adds something to the myth, but some of them have really nothing to do in a stadium. Extreme-right flags or chants should be banned immediately, and yes that also includes Juventus fans.
b) The stadiums are crumbling. Which club in Italy has a great stadium? Rome's Olimpico is crumbling, Delle Alpi is a mess, will we ever go back there?, San Siro was good in its time but looks stone-age when compared to, say the Allianz ArenA.
Blanc hinted everything would depend on EURO 2012. That's a long time to wait, and what if Italy doesn't get it (which is very likely)? Wait another ten years? Juventus was the only club who had a project for a new modern stadium but we can forget it since our relegation...
3- The development of Italian youth
While playing FM, one thing struck me: the Reserve's haven't got a competition. Spain lets the Reserve teams play untill the Second division, other countries have reserve competition of their own.
Oh yes there is the Primavera. Let's be serious. The Primavera is good for players until 18 years of age. After that, there's no point in letting a 19 year old kid playing a duel against a 16 year old. The older one will get bored, and will not progress anymore.
So what do we do nowadays? We send them on loan. Far from our top youth-coaches and accomodation. In their new clubs, they are litterally used. The clubs take everything out of the young players, and when the return, they usually have the ankles of my grandfather or the knees of Mathusalem (the biblical figure, not the player).
Basically, their top career is over when they are 22. And I fear a player like Volpato is heading that way.
Why do we let our youngsters being destroyed by some Serie C1 relegation battlers? To let them play competition, and against more experienced players.
Well damn, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the obvious solution: Give them competition football inside our club.
How? Split Serie B into two groups, with each of it half of real teams, and half SerieA reserve teams.
The reserve teams would be made of 1. The best youngsters. 2. Out of favour experienced players. 3. Top players looking for match fitness.
That way we could see how the youngsters play at a real football level, and play them against rough experienced players; and in the same time, have them monitored and trained by our own coaches and physios.
Mourinho has called for that in England, Anderlecht's Vercauteren did the same in Belgium; it already exists (succesfully) in Spain and to some extent in Germany. So it's everything but unrealistic.
_______________________
_______________________
Other areas to work are the non-EU players (as Jun-Hide pointed out) and the TV revenues. I'm not too familiar with these issues, so I'll let other discuss them instead of talking bullshit.
1- Big clubs missing from Serie A or not competing
We must have Juve, Napoli, Genoa back in A, and Fiorentia, Milan and, to a lesser extent, Parma staying in A. Having the best clubs in the first division is just instrumental for the credibilty of the competition. If a top team demotes every once in a while because of financial problems or corruption scandals, you can't expect TV channels, investors, players and foreign fans to show real interest in Serie A, can you?
2- Security and comfort in the stadiums
Our own Delle Alpi is a mess. I've been there and enjoyed it, but you can't compare it with the German, Spanish, English or even Dutch stadiums. Seriously. If Serie A is totally behind the rest of Europe on one matter, it's definitely the stadiums.
Fan violence is a big issue too. Clubs are very scared of their own Ultras and often prefer not to act against them. A specialised police system is needed. And racism and fascism must be banned asap from every Italian stadium. Di Canio's salutes were more broadcasted on foreign TV's than Sheva's goals I'm afraid.
3- The development of Italian youth
Italy might be World Champion, but didn't it strike you that the youth doesn't seem to follow. I mean, we've been looking for a young Italian DC for ages, and the only good one seems to be Barzagli. Nowadays, some tip Criscito, but none of them are world class for the moment I fear. And apart of them, who can find good young Italian DC's? It's not only about DC's. I went through the Azzurini list, and apart from Andreolli, none of them is playing at a high level yet. Young players shouldn't be rushed, but you could expect at least 4-5 players in that list to play regularly in a good club in the top league. I mean, have a look:
Goalkeepers: Gianluca Curci (AS Roma), Daniele Padelli (FC Crotone).
Defenders: Marco Andreolli (FC Internazionale Milano), Michele Canini (Cagliari Calcio), Domenico Criscito (Genoa 1893), Lino Marzoratti (Empoli FC), Marco Motta (Udinese Calcio), Francesco Pisano (Cagliari Calcio).
Midfielders: Ignazio Abate (Modena FC), Simone Bentivoglio (Modena FC), Paolo De Ceglie (Juventus), Raffaele De Martino (Udinese Calcio), Marino Defendi (Atalanta BC), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Valerio Virga (AS Roma).
Forwards: Arturo Lupoli (Derby County FC), Michele Paolucci (Ascoli Calcio 1898), Gabriele Paonessa (Vicenza Calcio), Nicola Pozzi (Empoli FC), Andrea Russotto (Treviso FC).
Deschamps and Blanc said we would go for youth, but I fear we'll have to invest in foreign youth, and might look like Arsenal in 3 years...
______________________________
Solutions?
1- Big clubs missing from Serie A or not competing
I'd see two complementary solutions:
a) Reform the FIGC, as today it's clearly too dependent of some clubs who'll just fool around when they want it. Not only the members have to be nominated more objectively, but the whole system (including the FIGC tribunals) has to be changed and be more transparent. Did someone seriously understand something in this summer's procedures? I know I didn't, and I'm a Law student...
But, Carlo already said that in La Meglio Gioventu. He dreams of moving to scandinavia because there, states are like glasshouses, everyone can see what's inside,... unlike in Italy.
So I have to admit I don't have big hopes on this one.
b) A yearly financial control on clubs. In Belgium, clubs have to get a yearly licence to play in professional football (First two leagues). This happens with a strict control of the clubs finances and situation. It's not a problem for big clubs, but small clubs have been relegated to 3rd division.
It has some advantages: 1. A year-to-year sight of the clubs' situations. 2. Clubs won't go bankrupt in the middle of the season. 3. The players will be paid on time, the most simple remedy against player bribing.
2- Security and comfort in the stadiums
a) English fans might be known as having the most violent, stupid, drunk hooligans, you have to agree that in 10 years the violence inside the stadiums has drastically decreased. Stadium banning, more police control, clubs controlling their own fans,... lead to this situation. The Italians might learn some lessons there.
I really like the traditional Italian system of Ultras, it adds something to the myth, but some of them have really nothing to do in a stadium. Extreme-right flags or chants should be banned immediately, and yes that also includes Juventus fans.
b) The stadiums are crumbling. Which club in Italy has a great stadium? Rome's Olimpico is crumbling, Delle Alpi is a mess, will we ever go back there?, San Siro was good in its time but looks stone-age when compared to, say the Allianz ArenA.
Blanc hinted everything would depend on EURO 2012. That's a long time to wait, and what if Italy doesn't get it (which is very likely)? Wait another ten years? Juventus was the only club who had a project for a new modern stadium but we can forget it since our relegation...
3- The development of Italian youth
While playing FM, one thing struck me: the Reserve's haven't got a competition. Spain lets the Reserve teams play untill the Second division, other countries have reserve competition of their own.
Oh yes there is the Primavera. Let's be serious. The Primavera is good for players until 18 years of age. After that, there's no point in letting a 19 year old kid playing a duel against a 16 year old. The older one will get bored, and will not progress anymore.
So what do we do nowadays? We send them on loan. Far from our top youth-coaches and accomodation. In their new clubs, they are litterally used. The clubs take everything out of the young players, and when the return, they usually have the ankles of my grandfather or the knees of Mathusalem (the biblical figure, not the player).
Basically, their top career is over when they are 22. And I fear a player like Volpato is heading that way.
Why do we let our youngsters being destroyed by some Serie C1 relegation battlers? To let them play competition, and against more experienced players.
Well damn, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the obvious solution: Give them competition football inside our club.
How? Split Serie B into two groups, with each of it half of real teams, and half SerieA reserve teams.
The reserve teams would be made of 1. The best youngsters. 2. Out of favour experienced players. 3. Top players looking for match fitness.
That way we could see how the youngsters play at a real football level, and play them against rough experienced players; and in the same time, have them monitored and trained by our own coaches and physios.
Mourinho has called for that in England, Anderlecht's Vercauteren did the same in Belgium; it already exists (succesfully) in Spain and to some extent in Germany. So it's everything but unrealistic.
_______________________
_______________________
Other areas to work are the non-EU players (as Jun-Hide pointed out) and the TV revenues. I'm not too familiar with these issues, so I'll let other discuss them instead of talking bullshit.
Jun-hide said:
I quite like Reggina (you know why ). They have a passionate fans and they are a few teams that represent southern part of Italia. Livorno and Empoli have generally been well run in last couple of years, I say they make up for a good fodder.
But Chievo, Ascoli, Siena, out of there ASAP. Also it would be good Serie A could be contracted to 18 leaving out one of teams like Catania or Messina (But I doubt it since TV revenue talks on these matters).
I also feel Bari and Verona should be in Serie A not B. And Samp, Torino need to invest more in players.
). They have a passionate fans and they are a few teams that represent southern part of Italia. Livorno and Empoli have generally been well run in last couple of years, I say they make up for a good fodder.But Chievo, Ascoli, Siena, out of there ASAP. Also it would be good Serie A could be contracted to 18 leaving out one of teams like Catania or Messina (But I doubt it since TV revenue talks on these matters).
I also feel Bari and Verona should be in Serie A not B. And Samp, Torino need to invest more in players.
I agree with you that some of the teams with good potential (Palermo, Sampdoria, Torino, etc..) need to invest furthermore in players.
I also agree that League has to be reduced to 18 teams to spare the players of 4 more games to play when 34 are perfectly enough (don´t forget there are also Champions League games and omestic Cup which is underrated)
P.S. I disagree with you on Siena, they are our good friends
and have to remain in top-flight.EDIT: I just saw Geof´s post - Brilliant! Nice effort, +rep
Geof,
That was best damn post I have seen in his board (Along with Isha's links).
I cant add more to that. It pretty much summed up what I wanted to tell but you did it more cogently.
One small disagreement is on the development of defenders. Defenders by nature, IMO, develop more slowly, and you rarely get 19 year old phenomen competiting at the highest level. You Belgiums are spoilt by likes of Kompany who are doing at ease since what 17? One cannot just assume that these young Italian defenders do not have world-class potential because their name sake doesnt back up. If somebody told me this time in 1997 that Zizou would end up having better career than Del Piero, Davids, or even Reizeiger for that matter, I would have had good laugh. I couldnt care less about young players reputation, and this trait precisely makes Wenger such a good coach. He would give sh*t whether a guy is some Argentine genius called Aimar or complete unknown Eboue.
But you are abosolutely spot on in pointing out the complete lack of competence displayed by Italian FIGC. That is because they are(1) unaccountable to people thus more back-side dealings going on and (2) picked on the basis of friendship, interests than ability. Whilst English has been astuely talking about the speed of Premiership games in 1990s when they knew the product they were putting on was inferior to Serie A in every respect (I experienced this as a teenager), Serie A doesnt quite have similar strategy to promote their league. As you have said, the image of Serie A today that dominates around the world is not its players, tradition or history but crowd violence, facism, run down stadia, unsportsmanship, etc. For instance, I feel a lot of these issues are myths like cheating (IMO big Premiership teams dive more than Serie A these days), but being Italian FIGC they cant even put meaningful defence of these criticism never mind promoting their league.
But still IMO, a lot depends on the Euro bid. Serie A needs those kind of things to go in their way.
That was best damn post I have seen in his board (Along with Isha's links).
I cant add more to that. It pretty much summed up what I wanted to tell but you did it more cogently.
One small disagreement is on the development of defenders. Defenders by nature, IMO, develop more slowly, and you rarely get 19 year old phenomen competiting at the highest level. You Belgiums are spoilt by likes of Kompany who are doing at ease since what 17? One cannot just assume that these young Italian defenders do not have world-class potential because their name sake doesnt back up. If somebody told me this time in 1997 that Zizou would end up having better career than Del Piero, Davids, or even Reizeiger for that matter, I would have had good laugh. I couldnt care less about young players reputation, and this trait precisely makes Wenger such a good coach. He would give sh*t whether a guy is some Argentine genius called Aimar or complete unknown Eboue.
But you are abosolutely spot on in pointing out the complete lack of competence displayed by Italian FIGC. That is because they are(1) unaccountable to people thus more back-side dealings going on and (2) picked on the basis of friendship, interests than ability. Whilst English has been astuely talking about the speed of Premiership games in 1990s when they knew the product they were putting on was inferior to Serie A in every respect (I experienced this as a teenager), Serie A doesnt quite have similar strategy to promote their league. As you have said, the image of Serie A today that dominates around the world is not its players, tradition or history but crowd violence, facism, run down stadia, unsportsmanship, etc. For instance, I feel a lot of these issues are myths like cheating (IMO big Premiership teams dive more than Serie A these days), but being Italian FIGC they cant even put meaningful defence of these criticism never mind promoting their league.
But still IMO, a lot depends on the Euro bid. Serie A needs those kind of things to go in their way.