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Rossi hits out at Italian clubs over youth policy

SoccerNews in Serie A, World Cup 30 Mar 2009

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Villarreal forward Giuseppe Rossi hit out at Italian clubs on Monday over their preference for ready-made foreign stars over developping their own younger talents.

Rossi, who is tipped to start for Italy in Wednesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Ireland in Bari, was born in the United States to Italian-immigrant parents but moved to Italy during his teenage years and joined Parma.

However, at just 17 years old he moved to Manchester United before being sold to Spaniards Villarreal.

But for spending half a season on loan back at Parma in 2006/07, the 22-year-old Rossi has spent his entire senior career playing outside of the country he represents at international level.

And he inists that it is Italian clubs who are at fault.

“Why don’t I play in Italy? It’s not my fault. Clubs make their decisions and I make my own,” he said.

“The important thing is to show off your skills in front of a big crowd. And when you play you have a chance to be seen.

“Italian football is changing, giving more chances to young players. That’s the right decision because the talent is there.

“In England and Spain everything is different, they have more patience. Barcelona have three or four 20 year olds in their first team.

“But in the future it will be the same in Italy. Who? Some of my ex Italy under-21 teammates like (Sebastian) Giovinco and (Robert) Acquafresca.”

Italy are top of European qualifying group eight, two points ahead of Wednesday’s visitors and this match is seen as crucial in deciding who will finish top of the group.

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