Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini is facing a big row with the nation's top medics after criticising their methods in treating the modern-day player.
"Apart from certain very serious injuries, I think conditions can be healed much more quickly as I have experienced them as a player," the Nerazzurri tactician told Sky Sport Italia.
"Players have more trouble returning than before, but it's not their fault. Now the doctors stop them all the time. The doctors have got worse, in my opinion."
Azzurri team doctor Enrico Castellacci stressed: "I don't think that Mancini showed much sensitivity or courtesy towards the game's medics.
"The same doctors have been attacked for rushing players back in the past.
"Medicine is a serious business, perhaps more than the game itself. If doctors are paying more attention to players' health then maybe it's a good thing that they are getting worse."
