The head of the Italian FA's (FIGC) anti-racism campaign, Fiona May, says the problem remains rampant in Italy.
The England-born former long jumper became an Italian citizen back in 1994 and is currently working with the FIGC to try and counter the racism issue in the country.
May has experienced both English and Italian cultures and suggests that the latter has a very deep-rooted racism problem which needs to be helped through education, particularly of the younger generations.
"Unfortunately, I would say Italy is 20 years behind, like it was in England," May told Sky Sports News HQ ahead of the Italy v England match in Turin.
"It was going through a twilight zone. I am going through the same thing as my parents went through 20 or 30 years ago. It will take time but hopefully it will speed up a bit more.
"It is a case of changing the mindset of people; we need to continue to be positive. I am not saying the next 20 months will make a big difference, but it will make a change.
"It is not as big as I thought it is, but it is there, there is racism, especially in this stadium (Juventus' stadium in Turin) where it is unfortunately still rife. And it's not only here in Italy but all over the rest of Europe.
"My aim is not just to go for the fans but the rest of the youngsters, their future is in their hands. So we need to talk to them and explain to them, racism in and outside the stadium does not have to exist. There is racism and I can't deny the fact there is racism.
"We have made a very ambitious project for Italian culture in 20 cities in Italy, including Sicily and Sardinia, in 20 months. We still have to push on. It is not going to finish here."
