Zeman maintains FIGC attack

Roma coach Zdenek Zeman believes Italian football is in need of reform after the match-fixing scandals which have plagued the country.

The 65-year-old Czech has been outspoken in his views of the game in Italy and last week attacked Giancarlo Abete, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FICG), branding him ‘football’s enemy’ and has criticised banned Juventus boss Antonio Conte for his role in the Scommessopoli scandal.

However, Zeman has now clarified his comments on the organisation’s head, but has expressed his concerns at the way football has been managed in Italy over recent years.

“This declaration was not referring to the president of the FIGC, but the football system as a whole, which in recent years has lost important opportunities for reform,” he told ANSA when asked about his comments from the previous week.

Roma take on Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday as they look to build on their win over Inter Milan before the international break.