Albertini to CM: 'Italia is ready to win the Europeans'
The vice president of the FIGC, Demetrio Albertini has released an exclusive interview to Calciomercato.com
Last week you were in Brussels: What was discussed?
"Six months ago I was appointed coordinator of the European Commission for the development of sport, in support of Roberto Pella (ANCI Executive Officer, Ed.) We have already had a series of meetings at parliamentary level. Thanks to the Lisbon Treaty, for the first time there will be direct funding to the sports world. Education Commissioner, Androulla Vassiliou has announced that a European fund will be created for sport of 210 million a year for seven years. Investing nearly a half billion euro in total means that sport is seen as an instrument of revival even in a time of economic crisis like this. The areas have not yet been selected in detail, but for our part we have already given some indication of how sport for all, from children to pensioners, the fight against doping and illegal betting. Also there is the Erasmus program to create a college for students on a European level with intercultural exchanges, where you can also enhance the skills and experience of former athletes in the role of international ambassadors".
In terms of sports education, where is Italy compared to the rest of Europe?
"Dealing with all the different member countries, unfortunately we have seen our shortcomings compared to the others. For example, in some countries there is an hour a day of physical education, even when I was in school more importance was given to the sport than it is today. Coni have already invested 5 million euro in primary schools, starting a pilot scheme which must carry on with other interventions. In Italy the stability pact does not allow regions and councils to invest how they would like in sport, I hope that in the coming years greater autonomy will be given to local governments as already happens in Spain".
The National team: the decision to entrust Italy to Prandelli is proving to be the right one?
"You can never before or after, every decision is tied to the immediacy of the moment it is taken. Cesare said yes to the president Abete immediately. After the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, no one expected a qualification for the Europeans with a record like ours. To start again a project was needed and the main merit of Prandelli was to be able to quickly create a very united group. The National team has a new life thanks to the work of the technical staff of the federation and also the players themselves. All are happy to be part of this group, they feel part of this project and are always happy to go to Coverciano. To hear the likes of Cassano and Balotelli talk about the National team even when they are in their club teams is a pleasure to the coach and all of us".
Where does that leave Italy in view of Euro 2012?
"Italy has to always go for the maximum, it is written in our DNA. On paper there are stronger teams than us such as Spain, England and Germany, but not always the favorites win. We know that we still have a long way, but there is still a few months of time to work and continue to grow. Then, as in any competition like that, much will depend on the form in which the various players will come".
What did you think of the departure of Del Piero from Juventus announced by Agnelli?
"I can not express an opinion because I do not know if it was something agreed or not. As a spectator and a lover of good football, I can just say that it will be a huge disappointment not to see Del Piero at Juventus."
