January 4 – Demetrio Albertini (pictured), the vice-president of the Italian Football Associaiton (FICG), has warned that the country must modernise its stadiums if its bid to host the 2016 European Championships is to be successful.
The former AC Milan and Italy midfielder, who is also the leader of the players union, hit out at the poor state of the pitches in Serie A, which he claims forces the country to shut-down for much of the winter period.
He said: ”I think that fields and stadiums need to be upgraded or built, regardless of the fact Italy will bid to host the Euro 2016 Championships.
“It is necessary for the future of Italian football.”
Italy is planning to use its bid for Euro 2016 as a catalyst to revamp its stadiums.
Stadium facilities in Italy have fallen far behind other major European footballing nations such as England, Germany and Spain since it last staged a major football tournament – the FIFA World Cup in 1990.
As part of the process, the Italian Government has passed a law through the Italian Parliament which makes it easier for clubs to fund new privately-owned stadiums.
With the new law, Italian clubs will be able to get loans at very favourable rates for new grounds.
Albertini hit out at the state of Italy’s stadiums after pubic criticism of the long break.
“People always say it is the fault of millionaire footballers who want to go on holiday, but we forget that this stop is forced, partly because of inadequate facilities.
“Why do you think so many teams go to train in the UAE (United Arab Emirates)?”
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