mancityblues.com

"Italian football hasn’t had a great decade. Corruption, debt, plummeting crowd attendances and a subsequent decrease in league status have plagued a period in Italian football. Attendance in Italy has been a real problem recently with the average for the league at just over 23,000 for this season, a drop from last seasons tally (ESPN) *(England’s is considerably higher at around 34,000 tho dropping). The debts of Serie A clubs can be seen as a metaphor for their national economic crisis. For years they have simply borrowed and spent too much whilst doing little to increase their actual revenues."

Much in common with English football in the 1980's. No surprise then that modern Italian managers are attracted to England - Mancini, Ancelotti, Ranieri, Capello and Zola followed Vialli plus Trapattoni in the British Isles with Rep Ireland - all following money and fame. Now Di Cannio at Swindon. I do like the philosophy of Wigan's Martinez from Spain and Gus Poyet at Brighton who have achieved success with an attractive fusion of latin and British styles beyond Route 1 survival tactics. Blackpool, Swansea and other small clubs have taken an alternative option that proves more attractive even if not more succesful. The game is about the spectacle and supporters.

What is going on in Italian football? Berlusconi now gone as premier but still head of a media empire in an economy under threat. Even Roberto and Mario state their intent to commit to City? Which Italian teams compare? Napoli have proved good competition but who else? Would Robinho make our current squad? It shows our progress and the evolution of our style of play when Tevez, last year's top scorer, has not been missed and our performances have even significantly improved.

It appears we are drifting towards a G-14 EUFA driven Euro league in what ever guise. I'm not in favour since any league has winners and losers and at least the National based leagues give give semblence of competition that EUFA seem to wish to stifle through FFP. I cannot see EPL clubs supporting a Euro league but am interested in hearing any views of others on the future of football.

Can I set out my own view? Let domestic national leagues resolve their own problems since football clubs in Europe depend on lifelong local identity, support and loyalty rather than supporting a USA style franchise. FIFA, EUFA and FA's have got too big for their boots seeing it as a personal cash cow and for personal aggrandizement - accusations directed to our owners who have only invested, yet stand to be judged by EUFA parasites who have only taken out of the game and whose credentials are subject to scrutiny.

With our resources, I cannot see MCFC failing to pass any financial test. Long may we continue to show the quality of football shown this season. The Fergie acolytes have been given patronage and all failed. Not leaving much room for others. (Why is Pearce still let anywhere near coaching any young football team? Dont get me started on the FA and coaching) Mancini for me, even with Platt (who I still do not rate as a coach but clearly who is a support and confident to Mancini). My confidence in Mancini was restored with the later appointment of Attilio Lombardo as coach, a top Italian cultured player.

Mancini and City have shown they not only can pick a player but improve those they have.

Mourinho anyone? Not Italian and not here.

SPINY