Juventus GM Beppe Marotta believes the spending power of Champions League opponents Bayern Munich made the difference in their quarterfinal.
Bayern were comfortable 4-0 aggregate winners.
Marotta said: "There was definitely a gap, that was clear, but the German clubs are at a more advanced stage in the rebuilding process. We are following their example.
"The economic factor also decides the transfer strategy. Today we have clubs like Bayern who double the revenue of Italian sides like Milan, Inter or Juventus. Of course they can buy just one player for 40m, whereas Italian clubs have to band together with three or four to raise that sum.
"Juventus are starting on that road with a new stadium, but the other Serie A clubs still have that handicap."