Franz Beckenbauer believes that Serie A remains a sub-standard competition despite the fact Juventus stand on the verge of Champions League glory.
The Turin outfit take on Barcelona in Saturday’s final in Berlin having already collected the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia this season.
However, the former Bayern Munich player and coach insists the Bianconeri’s progress is no reflection of Italian football as a whole.
“I wouldn’t go as far as to say this is a renaissance for Serie A. Italian football has been weakening for some time,” the 69-year-old told Bild. “That fact cannot be hidden behind the success of Juve, who are the only top international team in Italy.
“Spain is clearly the best European league, and Sevilla also won the Europa League. I’d say the Bundesliga is in second place, closely followed by the Premier League. Italy and France are about even in fourth.”
Despite his review of Italian football, Beckenbauer is happy to see Juventus in the final following their victory over Real Madrid in the last four.