Footballing legend Gabriel Batistuta has issued some harsh words in light of the match fixing scandals which continues to rock Italian football, though took the time to speak of the club which he holds close to his heart, Fiorentina.
Batistua arrived with his wife Irina Fernandez in Florence for a dinner hosting the Fair Play award, and decided to give his views on the issues surrounding Italian football upon being questioned on the matter.
“I hope Italy do not win anything during these years to come,” he said to reporters.
“Only this will help solve all the problems.
“This is because every time there is a problem, they [Italy] win a World Cup or a European trophy and then all of a sudden everyone forgets the scandals, so they are not dealt with.
“Since I arrived in Italy this has always been the problem. I hope they can resolve this situation, most importantly for the fans who pay good money to go and watch the sport they love.”
The Argentinian then picked up on a lighter subject, focusing on his former club Fiorentina.
“I followed the Viola last season, and they had quite a run, unfortunately they ran out of gas at the end.
“I was disappointed when [Vincenzo] Montella [former coach of Fiorentina] was fired as he was doing well with the club, but then again coaches must be prepared for things like this to happen. He actually lasted quite long compared to others in this day and age.
“As for [Paulo] Sousa, I remember him as a player but I’ve never seen him as a coach.
“Mohamed Salah is a great player who I like a lot, even though he gave up a bit towards the end of the season.”
