English make case for defence

ITALY 0 England 3 read the headlines in Italy yesterday and the third consecutive English win in the Champions League over Italian opposition left the journalists asking why their clubs do not seem able to compete with the best in the Premier League.

“They win because of almost limitless funds,” said the Gazzetta dello Sport. “They win because they can choose the best that the foreign market has to offer, both in terms of coaches and players. They win because the Premier League is a model that functions in terms of economics, management and culture.”

But the Italians also believe that the success of the Big Four from England owes a lot to a less well-known factor, namely their strength in defence.