Fabio Capello returned to Italy today to give a glowing report on English football, claiming that teams, supporters and stadiums in the Premier League put Italy to shame. Despite the media and political pressure to deal with John Terry's alleged infidelities and his decision to strip Terry of the England captaincy, Capello said English football has a lot to teach Serie A.
"Italian teams are well equipped but English sides are on top right now," the England coach told an audience at Parma University, where he was picking up a career award. "Players prefer to go to England and Spain and it is not just for the money. They see Italian stadiums are half empty and realise we've got problems."
Capello refused to be drawn on why he dropped Terry as captain but joked during his speech: "For now I am concentrating on the World Cup and John Terry."
Capello responded to the challenge set down last week by Italy's manager, Marcello Lippi, who said he wanted Italy to meet England in the final so he could see Capello's reaction when the Italian anthem is played. "I would sign up straight away for an Italy-England final," Capello said.
On and off the pitch English football is out in front, he said. "Two things are important in the Anglo-Saxon world: respect for referees from players and coaches and the sporting behaviour of players. In England no one would raise a hand to a referee."
If Italian football was "losing its appeal", it was also down to poorly run, local council-owned stadiums in Italy that lack amenities, Capello said. "In Italy the stadium fills up half an hour before kick-off, whereas in England and Spain everyone is still at the bar or in the restaurant because their seat is booked. That income boosts the resources of clubs," he said.
Capello saved his fiercest criticism for Italy's 'Ultra' fans, calling on Italian authorities to enforce a ban on banners and firecrackers. Fights with police broke out outside Lazio's training ground on Tuesday as 1,000 fans protested about the club's lowly league position. Around a hundred fans then broke into the ground and threw firecrackers. The club confirmed today it has sacked the coach, Davide Ballardini.
"Football is in the hands of the Ultras," said Capello. "Unfortunately I have said it before, at which time many told me I was talking rubbish."
The Premier League, he added, was a haven by contrast. "There is maximum security, nothing ever happens, the stewards protect you."
Capello spared one aspect of Italian football: its managers. "We are world champions, and Italian managers are very well prepared, something they are proving abroad at very important clubs," he said.
