A former sporting director of Serie A leaders Juventus has claimed he feels the lack of of domestic competition is affecting their European performances, as the league is ‘too easy’ to challenge Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
Juventus currently sit in third place after four games in Group A, and could struggle to quality for the knockout phases with Atletico leading the group on nine points. Greek side Olympiakos sit on equal terms with the Italians, but edge the final play-off position to date.
Luciano Moggi – who previously cited homosexuality has no place in football – has criticised the talent within the Serie A, and blames their struggles on their domestic ease – failing to face any tests of European quality in Italy’s top tier.
The Turin-based squad failed to reach the knockout stages of Europe’s elite competition last season, and is yet to impress with their performances this campaign.
Moggi claimed that both Juventus and Roma face the struggle against foreign competition, due to the inferiority of the Serie A. He said:
"Juventus and Roma are always dominating in Serie A and are superior to the other teams. That gives them the impression that they can also dominate foreign teams in the Champions League," Moggi told reporters.
"This is not the case, though, because Italian football is inferior to that of other countries. It's too easy to win in Italy. Winning games is much more complicated elsewhere than in Italy.
"People shouldn't be surprised that Roma conceded nine goals in two defeats versus Bayern or that Juventus lost the first match against Olympiakos in Athens."
Allegri and co. travel to Lazio following the international break, and will look to extend their lead at the top of the table, after a recent 7-0 demolition of Parma – which included braces from Fernando Llorente, Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata.