Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis wants 16-team Serie A

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 22 September 2017

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is eager for Serie A to be reduced to 16 teams, but believes that "it won't happen because they lie to the small clubs".

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has called for Serie A to be reduced from 20 teams to 16.

The Italian top flight has undergone numerous changes to the number of sides competing in any one season, last having 16 teams in the 1987-88 campaign.

In 1988, the number of teams in Serie A was increased to 18, before being changed again in 2004 to the current 20.

"Football in Italy is led by people who have the mentality of 20-30 years ago," De Laurentiis told Radio 24.

"In 1986, Serie A had 16 teams, and if that was still the case, everyone would be happier. I would cut the number of clubs participating with just one relegation spot.

"I spoke to [FIGC president Carlo] Tavecchio about this. There are teams that lose 6-0 and it's no good for anyone.

"It won't happen, though. [TV rights company] Infront lie to the small clubs, but it's no good for those who want Italian football to be competitive."

Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri said last December that he would prefer an 18-team Serie A.