Azzurri’s can learn from Premier League, says Ancelotti

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has said that he hopes Italian football can shed violence and racism in favour of a positive image similar to the English Premier League.

“In Italy we still have violence, so I hope that it will change soon,” Ancelotti told the club website.

“That people go to the stadium to see an exciting match, like in England, and to support their team, not using violence and racist taunts towards the players.”

The 50-year-old Italian, who spent all of his playing and coaching career in Serie A, made a switch from Lombardy based giants AC Milan to Chelsea in June.

Racist abuse is not uncommon in Italy, last season Juventus were ordered to play a league game behind closed doors after some spectators taunted Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

“People go to the stadium to see a spectacle (in England). In Italy unfortunately it isn’t like that. People there don’t have this sense for spectacle,” Ancelotti added.

“It is something nice and interesting to see here (in England). I like it because all the stadiums are full and work very well. It’s a very positive experience.”