Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi says there are 'too many black players' in Italian youth teams after Ghanaian youngsters dominate

Published on: 17 February 2015

Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi (pictured in 2009) claims that Italy is losing its identity

Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi says there are 'too many black players' in Italian youth teams

Arrigo Sacchi reportedly made comments at ceremony in Pistoia
Former AC Milan coach says Italy is losing its identity and pride
Also claims that Italian youth teams feature too many black players including Ghanaians
Kevin Prince Boateng stormed off the pitch after being subject to racist taunts during AC Milan friendly with Pro Patria back in 2013

Iconic former Italy manager Arrigo Sacchi has caused a racism storm by claiming there are 'too many black players' in the country after Ghanaian youngsters dominated the European country's biggest youth football competition.

Sacchi hit out at the number of foreign players and non-ethnic Italians playing for Italian clubs at this month's Torneo di Viareggio, which is considered one of the premier youth football tournaments in the world.

A late goal from Ghanaian right-back Bright Gyamfi was enough to give the Beneamata a 2-1 win after Pierluigi Cappelluzzo had cancelled out Federico Bonazzoli’s opener with young striker Appiah in the Inter side.

'I'm certainly not racist and my history as a coach proves that, starting from [Frank] Rijkaard,' Sacchi is quoted as saying in Tuttosport.

'But looking at the Viareggio tournament [a global youth tournament held annually in Italy] I feel like saying that there are too many black players, even in the youth teams.

Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi (pictured in 2009) claims that Italy is losing its identity

Sacchi (pictured with Michel Platini) also says that there are too many black players, even in youth teams

Boateng makes stand against racism. Walking off in protest at...

Kevin Prince Boateng was subject to racist taunts during a friendly in 2013 - and wore this jersey soon after

Boateng leaves the pitch during an AC Milan friendly against Pro Patria

'Italy has no dignity, no pride. It's not possible that our teams should have 15 foreign players in the squad.'

Former AC Milan boss Sacchi, 68, is widely credited with bringing 'Total Football' to Serie A, and made the comments at a ceremony for the Maestrelli prizes in Pistoia.

Sacchi's last role in the game came as director of football at Real Madrid 10 years ago.

Sacchi had two spells with Milan, and was praised for his contribution during his first stint in charge between 1987 and 1991.

The Italian won seven trophies at the San Siro, including two European Cups and a Serie A title.

Mario Balotelli, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Kevin Constant are just some of the players who have been subject to racist abuse from fans over the years in Serie A.

Kevin-Prince Boateng and Patrick Vieira speak out against racism