Former president of CONI Gianni Petrucci says the abolition of the Italian Growth Decree will lead to enormous damage. Petrucci, former president of CONI for four consecutive terms, has been president of the Italian Basketball Federation since 2013 and seen the changing face of Italian football. Soeaking with Corriere dello Sport, he offered his thoughts on the decision to scrap the tax break that has helped Italian sides bring in foreign talent to the league:
“It will lead to enormous damage. Congratulations to (Lazio president Claudio) Lotito because he is single-handedly carrying out a battle that belongs to everyone.
“Why penalise the professionals? They had asked for a two-month extension, for propaganda reasons, it was not granted.”
“Did the decree penalise young Italians? It penalised those who do not know how to play and raised the level in the squads, in football as in basketball.”
