© EuroFootball.com
One of the leaders of the German national team, Oliver Bierhoff, stated that Italian football is in crisis due to an aging national team and poor infrastructure.
Next Wednesday, the Germans will play a friendly match with the Italians, who are ranked only 13th in the FIFA rankings.
"The national team reflects the crisis of the entire country's football. It's not surprising that Germany's Bundesliga has outperformed Serie A in the battle for places in European cup competitions over the past five years," said Bierhoff.
"Just look at the infrastructure, the condition of the stadiums, the balance of the top league, and the level of the clubs, and you'll have to admit that the situation in Germany is better."
However, Bierhoff did not underestimate the "Squadra Azzurra": "We will meet a very good, old opponent. The Italians will be motivated to beat us, so we face a tough challenge."
But he also admitted: "Many players from the golden national team of 2006 are no longer there. Others have reached the twilight of their careers. Italy doesn't have young footballers who could replace the veterans. This is a reflection of the country's football crisis."
