Platini backs Italian football

UEFA president Michel Platini has insisted that Italian football is not suffering from a crisis.

The Juventus legend, who now holds the post as the head of operations in European football, gave a positive outlook on football in Italy, which has recently been struck by a players’ strike, as well as a sustained decline in Italian clubs’ performance in European competition, with Inter’s Champions League success in 2010 the only recent exception.

“[Is Italian football in crisis?] I do not believe this as president of UEFA,” Platini said in an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport.

“Yes, I won two European trophies with Juventus and they were good times, but no [it is not in crisis], because last year Inter won the Champions League.”

“Football is made up of cycles and creating a team is not easy, but it is easier to destroy it,” he continued.

“Eventually, though, the good ones always succeed – the likes of Real Madrid, Benfica, Inter, AC Milan and Manchester United [are the best examples].”

Platini then gave his opinion on which Italian sides can make an impact in Europe this season, and he named last season’s top three clubs in Serie A as those who possess the greatest chance.

“AC Milan, Inter and Napoli can all definitely do well in the Champions League this season,” he said.

The new Serie A campaign kicks off this weekend, after a collective bargaining agreement was finally reached between the FIGC and the AIC.