Former Italy and Juventus coach Marcello Lippi is happy seeing local youngsters getting their chance.

After years of generally ignoring youngsters, outfits on the peninsula are giving them a chance in these tough economical times.

"The re-discovery of youth systems is the best thing about the game right now," the 2006 World Cup winning boss told QS.

"Youngsters now have more 'weight' than foreign players. This is the best way to take Italian football to an even higher level."